Jacksonville Beach Dog Rules, Florida | New Laws 2025

People visiting Jacksonville Beach must adhere to dog rules for the safety of their puppies. Many pet-friendly restaurants and accommodations are available around the beach. Green Room Brewery allows dogs with their owners to have a brew. 

Super Bocce Spectacular near this pet-friendly beach creates an Airbnb experience for people and their pets. Dogs can play in off-leashed conditions in the Paws Dog Park. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens has long walking and hiking trails for pooches to roam happily.  

Jacksonville Beach Dog Rules, Florida laws 

• Dogs are allowed on the beach anytime from October 1st to March 31st. 
• Dogs’ entry is restricted from 9 AM to 5 PM between April 1st to September 30. 
• Owners must keep their pets leashed on the beach and anywhere in Jacksonville.
• People can take their pets to Paws Park to play during the restricted hours on the beach, and leash-free conditions for dogs are allowed here. 
• Owners must register with the Animal Control Officer (ACO) if they go on vacation. This is necessary to inform the pet owner of any emergency. 
• Any person who injures any dogs with a motor vehicle should immediately report to the Jacksonville Beach police department. 
• The owner of a dangerous dog shall be fined if their dog bites other individuals. 
• People shall dispose of the pet waste with proper disposable bags from the beach. 
• The leash length for the dogs must be within eight feet while on the beach or at any place.  
• All dogs coming to the beach should have a valid rabies vaccination tag attached to their collar. 
• Dogs can swim in the Atlantic Ocean in unleashed conditions, but should be leashed after swimming. 

Is Jacksonville Beach an island?

Yes, Jacksonville Beach is an island and is located on San Pablo Island.

Jacksonville Beach Dog License

According to the norms of Jacksonville City Beach, all pets should have a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a renewed license tag every year. After taking a rabies shot from the veterinarian, you can buy either the Jacksonville Beach rabies tag or the required documents to acquire the tag from a tax collector. 

The annual dog license fee is about $20 in Jacksonville Beach. Free registration is available for a maximum of three pets per household; the owner should be 62 and above. It is also free for those who are 100 percent disabled. Pet licensing can be done through online and offline applications. 

Read Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida

How to reach Jacksonville Beach, Florida

• By Airplane: The nearest airport to Jacksonville Beach is Jacksonville (JAX) Airport, which is 11.2 miles away. 
• By Train: Kings Ave. Station, Riverplace Station, and San Marco Station are railway stations near Jacksonville Beach.
• By Bus: South Beach Parkway Plaza, Beaches Hub, and S. 3rd St. & S. 1st Ave are bus stops near Jacksonville Beach. 

About Dog-Friendly Jax Beach, Florida

Jacksonville Beach is one of the must-visit spots in Florida for a joyful vacation.  The sunrise at Jacksonville Beach is a breathtaking spectacle. Watersports like beach volleyball, surfing, and fishing are popular on this beach. The Northeast Florida region has many golf courses for outdoor sports lovers. People can watch dolphins rolling out of the surf line for good recreation. 

The First Coast Cultural Center promotes local artists’ talent through exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. A separate fishing pier is located on the beach for peaceful fishing. 

• Beach Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 4.30 PM
• Parking: Jacksonville Beach Free Parking, 9th Ave Public Beach Access, and 9th Ave Public Beach Access.
• Things to do: Visit Southbank Riverwalk, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Outback Steakhouse, Harp’s American Pub & Grill, Lola’s Burrito & Burger Joint, and Brick Restaurant.
• Rentals: Pet-Friendly Sunshine Villa Two and Hip Murray Hill Bungalow
• Dog Adoption Centers: Fur Sisters – Furever Urs Rescue, Inc., Jacksonville Humane Society
• Boarding and Daycare: Beaches Jet Set Pets, Everything Is Pawsible

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

Jacksonville Paws Dog Park

Paws Park Dog Park is an area beside the beach designated for dogs to play in off-leash conditions. There is a separate area for both adult dogs and pups to enjoy themselves. 

Other amenities include watering bowls, benches, and an educational bulletin board. This park is also accessible to people with disabilities for leisure time. 

Jacksonville Beach Rules

• Visitors on the beach must always try to swim in front of the lifeguards. 
• Playing on the dunes is restricted. 
• To go to the beach, you must use dune crossovers. Picking sea oats is prohibited, as it protects the beach.
• Alcohol and glass bottles should be avoided on the beach.
• Picnicking on the beach sands is discouraged.
• The usage of charcoal grills and gas grills is restricted on the beach.
• Surfers must tether their boards to one leg in the water.
• Jet skis must be 300 feet away from the beach and driven at idle speed.
• Driving on the sands is punishable.
• Jet skis and catamarans should be launched from Beach Boulevard and 8th North Avenue.
• Water activities are allowed only when the swimming flag is posted. 

About Jacksonville Boardwalk

Jacksonville Beach had a boardwalk from 1910 to 1970. This boardwalk was a place for visitors and locals to enjoy delicious food, shopping, entertainment, etc. The boardwalk lost its charm, and hurricanes destroyed it, and city officials had to remove it.

About Jacksonville Downtown

Downtown Jacksonville is situated on the St. John’s River. Visitors can cross the bridge or watch the beautiful sunset on the water taxi ride. You can listen to live music, watch dolphins on the river, and have a great nightlife in bars and lounges.

Conclusion

For a beautiful holiday experience, people and their pets must follow the Jacksonville Beach Dog Rules. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is another pet-friendly destination near the beach for pooches in leashed conditions. Visitors can enjoy the pleasant natural setting of the beach waters with their pups and cherish beautiful memories.

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