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St. Petersburg–Clearwater, Florida · checked August 28, 2026

Metal detecting at Pinellas County beach parks

Pinellas County’s current rules prohibit metal detecting except on beaches. This guide covers Sand Key and Fred Howard: stay on open dry sand, out of the water, and away from protected ground.

Named county beaches onlyManaged by Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources

The 30-second answer

Confirm today’s boundary.

The open dry-beach sand at county-managed Sand Key Park or Fred Howard Park Beach—not inland park ground, a preserve, a municipal access site, the water, or the seabed.

GroundGulf Coast dry beach sand; posted closures and wildlife protection can narrow access.
Best fitRecent beach drops and cleanup finds—not historic artifacts or natural material.
Final check727-582-2100

Public checkpoints

Use an entrance, not a treasure pin.

These are easy places to begin your official check. They are not a promise that every square foot is open.

  1. 01
    Sand Key Park

    1060 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater · use the open sandy beach only

  2. 02
    Fred Howard Park Beach

    1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs · use the causeway beach only

  3. 03
    County parks office

    Call before travel if signs, closures, or the usable sand boundary are unclear

Rules in plain English

Five things to remember.

  • This guide covers the open beach sand at Sand Key and Fred Howard only. The county lists metal detecting as prohibited off beaches.
  • Fill every hole and leave the sand safe and level for other visitors.
  • Do not enter the water or disturb the seabed. Stay out of dunes, preserves, closures, boardwalks, landscaping, and nesting zones.
  • Do not disturb or remove wildlife, plants, natural material, or historic artifacts.
  • Do not assume a county-maintained parking or access site controls the neighboring municipal beach. Verify that manager separately.

Before you go

Make the last check simple.

  1. Choose Sand Key or Fred Howard and open that park’s official county page.
  2. Read the county park-rules page and the live closure page.
  3. Call if the usable sand or recovery-tool rule is not clear that day.
  4. Check signs, stay out of water, fill every hole, and remove sharp trash.

Quick questions

What detectorists ask first.

Can I metal detect in every Pinellas County park?

No. The current county rule makes an exception only for beaches. Inland park ground and preserves are not included.

Which county beaches does this guide cover?

Sand Key Park and Fred Howard Park Beach. Other parks or access sites need their own manager and boundary check.

Can I keep a historic artifact?

No. The county rules prohibit disturbing or removing historic artifacts.

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