While Volusia County is well known as having the “World’s Most Famous Beach” in Daytona Beach, officials sometimes also refer to Volusia County has having the world’s most accessible beach.
Volusia is one of few areas in Florida where people can legally drive on the beach, with vehicle ramps along the coast providing access to a convenient parking spot for a day on the sand.
But beach driving comes with a set of rules to help keep beachgoers safe. Volusia county has had serious vehicle versus pedestrian incidents on the beaches over the years.
The rules provide for speed limits, vehicle restrictions and more. Here are some things to keep in mind about beach driving.
Where can you drive on the beach in Volusia County?
In Volusia County, beach driving and parking are allowed in designated areas.
“Make sure to park on the seaward side of the conservation zone. Your vehicle must not cross beyond the conservation zone markers. Park either facing the ocean or backing into your spot toward the dunes,” the Volusia County website says.
To see which access ramps are open in real-time, download the Volusia Beaches app.
“Beach driving is offered at beach ramps in Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach and Ponce Inlet. While most vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach, front-elevated vehicles are not permitted,” according to Parkvolusia.org.
Are there any vehicle restrictions on Volusia County’s beaches?
“Elevated vehicles with front fender height alterations exceeding four inches compared to the rear are not authorized,” according to Parkvolusia.org.
What’s the speed limit on Volusia County beaches?
The speed limit is 10 mph. The speed limit applies to more than just cars and trucks. E-bikes, e-scooters and other electric motorized devices or mopeds are included.
What other rules should I keep in mind while driving on Daytona Beach or other Volusia County beaches?
Here are a few other beach driving rules in Volusia County:
Where else is it legal to drive on the beach in Florida?
There aren’t many beaches you can drive on in Florida, but there are a few. And for all of them, you have to pay for a pass to drive on the sand.
According to the FWC, “Operating vehicles, including ATVs, on the beach can destroy wildlife habitat and be harmful or fatal to wildlife. This is one reason that, in many areas, beach-driving is strictly prohibited year-round to all but authorized personnel.”
Driving on the beach can put sea turtle and sea bird nests in danger, so it’s important to only drive on beaches where and when it’s allowed.
Driving on the beach is more common in Volusia and St. Johns counties. There are also a couple of places where you can drive on the beach in Duval and Nassau counties.
How much does it cost to drive on the beach in Florida?
It depends on where you’d like to drive on the beach and whether you’re a resident of the same county.
“From March 1 through September 30, vehicles are required to pay a vehicle access toll and obtain a beach pass. Daily and annual beach passes may be purchased at access ramps,” the St. Johns County website says.
In St. Johns County, passes to drive on the beach cost $50, and non-resident passes are double that at $100. St. Johns County also offers an ADA-accessible pass for $40. Daily passes for residents and non-residents are $10 each.
In Duval County, driving on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park costs $5 for a car with up to six people, plus $1 per additional person.
In Daytona Beach and other Volusia beaches, there’s a $30 fee for a daily pass to drive on the beach, and an annual visitor pass to drive on Volusia County beaches is $150. Volusia County residents no longer have to pay to drive on the beach, but do have to sign up for a pass to do so.
“The Volusia County Council voted to waive fees for residents to drive on the beach and to park at County-owned off-beach parking lots,” the Volusia County website says.
“Daily beach parking fees can be paid upon arrival at a County-owned off-beach parking lot or beach ramp booth. Annual passes are no longer available for purchase at the beach ramp booths and cannot be purchased at off-beach parking lots. Volusia County residents must register for their free combination on-beach/off-beach annual pass online at parkvolusia.org or in person at one of two ParkVolusia offices.”
The free beach parking permit doesn’t include access to Lighthouse Point Park or Smyrna Dunes Park.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia is one few places you can drive on the beach. Rules to know
Reporting by Samantha Neely, Lianna Norman and Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
