Metal detecting laws, verified & up to date

Metal Detecting at City of Tampa parks & Ben T. Davis Beach

Hillsborough County · Gulf Central · City/County beach

🔴 Prohibited

Last verified:

The rules

Tampa City Code Sec. 16-43(i): no person shall engage or possess a metal detector upon any department-managed land. Ben T. Davis, Picnic Island, Cypress Point and Davis Islands beaches are Tampa Parks & Recreation properties, so the ban covers them.

Permit: N/A

📞 Call ahead: 813-274-8615 (confirm the current rule before you go)

Why detect here

Know-before-you-go: Tampa's bayfront city beaches are off-limits to detectors

This spot is off-limits — try one of the allowed Florida beaches instead, then gear up below.

Shop beginner beach detectors →


Source: Tampa City Code Sec. 16-43(i). Verify against the managing authority before detecting.