Metal detecting laws, verified & up to date

Metal Detecting at Stuart & Martin County Beaches

Martin County · Treasure Coast · City/County beach

✅ Allowed

Last verified:

The rules

Martin County Code Sec. 17.9 doesn't mention metal detecting on county beaches (Sec. 17.8 counts beaches as county parks). Sec. 17.9.A.2.p bars disturbing or removing any 'cultural or natural resource' (including artifacts of historical significance) without written County permission. Sec. 17.9.A.2.q bars digging in grass areas, so stick to the sand and fill your holes.

Permit: Not required for beach sand; written County permission required to disturb or remove cultural or natural resources

📞 Call ahead: 772-221-1418 (confirm the current rule before you go)

Why detect here

South Treasure Coast beaches

Hunting the Treasure Coast? Salt water and buried gold call for a waterproof simultaneous multi-frequency machine — the Minelab Equinox 900 is the top pick here. See the Minelab Equinox 900 →


Source: Martin County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 17, Sec. 17.8 (Definitions) and Sec. 17.9.A.2.p-q (Rules and regulations for Martin County parks). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.