16 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida 2023

There are many dog-friendly beaches in Florida for the ideal vacation. On these beaches, the dogs can enjoy and take a dip. They have some strict rules to follow. Various breeds can be found there, and hanging out with them is fun. There is a beach suitable to fulfill every need of four-legged babies.

A Dog is a Man’s best friend. Excluding them from any fun activities will be unfair. Fur babies love to run and swim in the ocean. It is an excellent way of exercise and relaxation for them. 

1. Jacksonville Beach/ Jax Beach – Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Beach is a famous beach in Florida. Featuring 5 miles of the prolonged sandy area. It is also popular among its peers as many pet-friendly restaurants and hotels are nearby. 

The broad sandy beach is ideal for the pets to roam around, relax, and walk. The seaside patios and yellow sand can calm the pets. The view of the sunset is stunning.

• Dog rules: The dogs are allowed with leashes on. Pet owners are responsible for washing up after their animals.
• Timings: Dogs are allowed at any hour from 1st October to 31st March. But they are prohibited on the beach between 9 am and 5 pm from 1st April to 30th September.
• Entry fee and Parking: $3 for the first two hours, then an additional $1 per hour (prices may vary)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Holiday Inn Express – Jacksonville Beach, Hampton Inn Jacksonville Ponte Vedra Beach, Mayo Clinic Hotel

Address: 11 North Third Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Read Jacksonville Beach Dog Rules

2. Fort Lauderdale Canine Beach – Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is known for its stunning beaches. The crystal clear water with a minimal current makes it suitable for swimming. The shy marine life and the coral reefs are the prime attractions of this beach. 

 A 100-yard section of this beach is allotted for pets, known as ‘Canine Beach.’ The park encompasses dog bags, beach showers, and water for dogs. A city officer is always present on the beach to help in any situation. 

• Dog rules: The dogs should always be on a leash. A permit is needed. A valid proof of residency from the City of Fort Lauderdale and a current copy of vaccination are required. 
• Timings: Dogs are allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 3 pm to 7 pm from November through March and April through October from 3 pm to 9 pm
• Entry fee and Parking: $7 per dog for one weekend, $30 per dog for residents, and $45 for non-residents (approx)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach

Address: 1269 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Read Best Dog-friendly Beaches in North Carolina

3. Neptune Beach – Duval County, Florida

It is a serene beach with pristine waters. The beach lies between Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach. The location is popular among surfers. 

The broad, tight-packed sand is ideal for taking the paw babies for a run and walk. The quint beach and the calm environment relax the dog. As dogs are permitted at a particular period, sunset and sunrise can be enjoyed. 

• Dog rules: Dogs should not be over 16 feet long leash. Owners have to carry any necessary items to clean up. All the dogs should have a current rabies tag. Interfering with the Animal Control Officer’s enforcement is not permitted. 
• Timings: Dogs are allowed from 1st October to 31st March at any hour. 1st April to 30th September between 5 pm to 9.30 am 
• Entry fee and Parking: Free up to 3 hours
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Island Retreat, Surfside Serenity Ocean Oasis

 Address: 116 First Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266

Read Dog-Friendly Beaches in Malibu, California

4. Ponte Vedra Beach – St. John’s County

Ponte Vedra Beach is a wealthy, unincorporated beach in Florida. This private beach comprises 300 acres of area. The southern end of Ponte Vedra is known as ‘Mickler’s Landing Beach,’ the only accessible part.

Mickler’s Beach is a paradise for both dogs and owners. The pink and coquina sand makes it unique and very beautiful. The 40-foot dunes are another attraction of this beach. Dogs can also take a swim here. A separate shower station and restroom are available.

• Dog rules: Dogs should always be on a leash except in water. Owners are responsible and should look after if there are any waste items left.
• Timings: Open sunrise to sunset daily
• Entry fee and Parking: $10 approximately
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Coastal Sawgrass Retreat at TPC

Address: 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Read Best Dog-friendly Beaches in Delaware

5. Cocoa Beach – Brevard County

Cocoa Beach is a quintessential space beach in Florida. It is a few km from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Center, located east of Orlando. Apart from surfing, this beach is famous for space launches during the day and night.

Dogs are only allowed from 4th Street South to the north of Murkshe Park. Owners should follow all the rules, or a $50 fine will be charged. A dog disposal station is located at every crossover.

• Dog rules: Dogs are only allowed in a designated area. The owners should not trespass with dogs on the main beach. A leash up to 10 ft should be attached to the dogs. They should be away from turtle nests and dunes.
• Timings: from 6 am to 10 am, 4 pm to 7 pm, and from 5 pm to 9 pm during daylight saving 
• Entry fee and Parking: $15 for cars (prices may vary)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites, Surf Studio Beach Resort

Address: Cocoa Beach, FL 32932-2430

6. Bark Park Dog Beach- Boca Raton

Bark Park is located in Boca Raton, on the side of the Spanish River Bank. It is known for its cleanliness and broad shoreline. This beach is ideal for paw babies to run and relax. A dog-friendly eatery is just opposite the beach to get snacks and beer.  

From Lifeguard towers no. 18 through 20, dogs are only permitted. This place has a double-gated entrance for taking off the leashes. An annual permit and weekend pass are needed for both residents and non-residents. Passes are available at Boca Raton Community Center, Sugar Sand Park Community Center, etc.

• Dog rules: Dogs are only permitted to designated places. Dogs have to be on leashes once they enter and leave. But they can run off-leash. 2 dogs per person are allowed. Permit for each dog is required.
• Timings: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7 am to 9 am all the year, November to February from 3 p.m. to sunset, and March to October from 5 p.m. to sunset.  
• Entry fee and Parking: $35 per dog for residents, $210 for non-residents annually, and $15 for the weekend pass (prices may change)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton, Quality Inn Boca Raton University Area

Address: 3001 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431

7. Fort De Soto Park Paw Playground- St. Petersburg

Fort De Soto, an 1136-acre land, comprises five inter-connected islands in Pinellas County. It has a rich biodiversity with different kinds of plants and animals. The white sandy beach, grassy dunes, and clear blue water make this place worth a visit. 

The dogs are allowed in the allotted place called Paw Playground. There are two fenced areas for both small and big dogs. Water stations and dog showers are present within the area. 

• Dog rules: Dogs are allowed off-leashed when inside the designated area. But they should be leashed before entering and leaving. Pinellas County Animal Services should be notified of bites and injuries.
• Timings: Open daily at 7 am year-round
• Entry fee and Parking: $5 entry fee (approx)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg Tierra Verde, Postcard Inn On The Beach

Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South Tierra Verde, Florida 33715

8. Jupiter Dog Beach – Jupiter, Florida

Jupiter is one of the dog-friendly beaches in Florida. There is a 2.5-mile stretch that is allotted for dogs. This beach is famous among kite surfers for its aesthetic view.

It is an off-leash beach so that the fur babies can play comfortably. Dogs are allowed from Marcinski Road (beach marker 26) north of the Carlin Park property line (marker 57). They provide waste bags at each cross-over. Restrooms and shower stations are available in nearby locations.

• Dog rules: Dogs should be off-leash in the selected area. They can run and swim in the ocean. Only non-aggressive dogs who respond to voice commands are allowed. While entering and leaving the beach, the dog should be leashed.
• Timings: daily sunrise to the sun sets
• Entry fee and Parking: free
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hampton Inn Jupiter/Juno Beach, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Jupiter

Address: 2188 Marcinski Rd, Jupiter, FL, US, 33458

9. Canova Beach Park – Indialantic

Canova Beach Park is the only dog-friendly park in Brevard County. This 9.1-acre space has three dune crossovers and one wheelchair accessible. The beach is clean and includes a small pavilion, a grill, and a picnic shelter.

This dog-friendly beach has plenty of room for the dogs to roam and play. It has a restroom, water fountain, and outdoor showers. They provide waste bags and trash receptacles.

• Dog rules: Dogs must be on a leash. The current vaccinations and licenses should be on display on their tags. 
• Timings: From dawn to dusk.
• Entry fee and Parking: Free
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Windemere Inn by the Sea, Indialantic Airbnb Rentals

 Address: 3299 N Hwy A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903

10. Dog Beach at Pier Park – Panama City, FL

Pier Park Dog Beach is a lovely dog-friendly beach in Florida. The 400-foot white sand shoreline is ideal for the dogs to roam. It is loathed on the west side of Rusell-fields City Pier. There are several dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants nearby. 

The dogs are allowed within the permitted area. The clear blue water is what the fur babies need for swimming. Several trash disposals are present at every crossover. 

• Dog rules: Dogs should always be on a maximum 6 ft-long leash. An identity tag along with current vaccinations must be present on the dogs. A person can carry up to three dogs max. Above four months, puppies are allowed. 
• Timings: From sunrise to sunset
• Entry fee and Parking: Parking is $2 per hour (approximately)
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Carillon Beach Resort Inn, Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center

 Address: 33753-000-000, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

11. Brohard Paw Park – Venice

Brohard Paw Park is the only dog-friendly beach in Venice, Sarasota County. It is located between South Brohard Park and Maxine Barritte Park. It’s the only place where the owners can join their dogs and have fun.

This dog beach has amenities like a shelter, pavilion, rinse station, etc. They also have a drinking fountain for both dogs and their owners. They have on-site parking, a picnic area, leash posts, and restrooms. 

• Dog rules: The dogs should be in the designated area. Trash receptacles and waste bags should be used for waste items. An identity tag must be on the dogs. The dogs must be vocally trained because this area is not fenced and off-leash.
• Timings: From 6 am to 10 pm 
• Entry fee and Parking: Free entry 
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Kon Tiki Inn, Ramada by Wyndham Venice Hotel Venezia

Address: 1850 Harbor Dr. S, Venice, FL 34285

12. Honeymoon Island State Park Pet Beach – Dunedin

Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Pinellas County, consisting of 4 miles of broad shorelines. Apart from the dunes, the shore has boardwalks. This island offers food, souvenirs, and drinks for visitors to enjoy. 

The south end of the island is designated for dogs. They are also allowed on the trail. Many animals inhabit the pine trail, so interacting and interrupting are prohibited. 

• Dog rules: Dogs should be on at least a 6 ft leash. They should be well-mannered. The owners must clean up after their dogs. 
• Timings: From 8 am to the sun sets all year round 
• Entry fee and Parking: $8 per car
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hampton Inn Dunedin, Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn

Address: Honeymoon Island, Dunedin, FL 34698

13. Bonita Beach Dog Park – Fort Myers

Bonita Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in Lee County, also known as Lee County Dog Beach. It is located outside of Lover’s Key State Park and Bonita Springs. This beach may not be visible, but the signs on the tree will lead a path here.

The small stretch beach provides enough room for the dogs to play and roam. The shallow, calm water from the Mexican Gulf is ideal for the pups to dip in. There is a portable toilet for the owners. The doggies have a shower with two shower heads for both big and small dogs. There is no drinking water facility here.

Dog rules: This is an off-leash beach. However, aggressive dogs and dogs in heat are asked to be put on a leash. A person can carry two dogs max. Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited. As this is a non-fenced area, the dogs should be well-mannered. The owner should carry disposable bags for the waste materials.

• Timings: From 7 am to sunset daily
• Entry fee and Parking: No fee for residents 
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bonita Springs Naples N, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Naples North – Bonita Springs, an IHG Hotel

Address: 14436 Bonita Beach CSWY, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

14. Picnic Island Beach Dog Park – Tampa, Florida

Picnic Island Beach is a dog-friendly beach in South Tampa. The white sand, crystal clear water, and calm environment are ideal for the paw babies to relax. The beach offers picnic tables and grills. The park has a golf course, a volleyball court, and a playground. 

The dog beach is confined and located near the boat ramp and pier. It’s an off-leash beach with no prominent fences. The shoreline has some sharp rocks and shells. Several hoses are available to wash off the dogs. Seaweeds often infest the water, so the owner must be cautious.

•  Dog rules: The dog doesn’t need to be on a leash. Thoughts have to be leashed before entering and going outside the permitted area. Trashes have to be cleaned by the owners and deposited in the disposals. 
• Timings: Daily sunrise to sunset
• Entry fee and Parking: Free
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Tahitian Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tampa Bay Area-Tampa South

 Address: 7409 Picnic Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33616

15. Clarence S. Higgs Beach Dog Park – Key West, FL

Higgs Beach Dog Park is one of the most popular beaches in Key West, Florida. It is also known as Clarence Higg Dog Beach, with a 16.5-acre broad shoreline. Everyone loves the broad shore and the aesthetic view of the Atlantic Ocean. This park offers Kayaking and snorkeling and has a tennis court.

The park has two fenced areas with oceanfronts for big and small dogs. There are plenty of shades and benches for taking a rest. Both parks have grassy fields for paw babies. 

• Dog rules: Dogs don’t need to be leashed inside the fenced park. They are also allowed on the streets and pier on leashes. The updated vaccinations should be tagged in their collars. The dogs should be friendly and well-trained.  
• Timings: Open 24/7 
• Entry fee and Parking: Parking is free, but to reserve a space on the beach for a group, approx $2 is required. A clean-up fee is there for the different age groups. Children under 12 years will not be charged. 
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Margaritaville Beach House Key West, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key – Key West

 Address: 100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

16. Daytona Beach – FL

Daytona Beach, a 23-mile stretch of white sand, is a popular vacation spot in Florida. It offers a serene view with activities like beach driving. It’s also accessible to people with disabilities. Daytona Beach doesn’t allow dogs on the oceanfront; some waterfront parks are nearby.

The dog-friendly parks are Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, Riviera Oaks Dog Park, and many more. The Micheal Crotty Park has separate areas for both smaller and larger dogs. The Riviera Oaks Dog Park has three separate fenced areas for different sizes. Both parks have watering stations for dogs, benches, and shades.

• Dog rules: In Micheal Crotty, the dogs can stay off-leash inside the fenced areas. In Reveira, the dogs must be leashed outside the designated area. A current vaccination tag should be attached to the collars. The dogs should be well-behaved and trained.
• Timing: Both parks allow dogs from Sunrise to Sunset.
• Entry fee and Parking: Admission is free in both parks.
• Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels: Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, Home2 Suites by Hilton Daytona Beach Speedway

Address: Daytona Beach, Florida.

Conclusion

These are all famous dog-friendly beaches in Florida. They ticked off all the boxes one needs to take the pups for a fun ride. All the rules and regulations should be checked to avoid any unpleasant circumstances. Visit one of these beaches and give the pets a relaxing vacation.

1. Ponce Inlet Dog Beach
2. Smyrna Dunes Park, New Smyrna Beach

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