Public Hearing Scheduled to Discuss Amendments to Beach Ordinance

In October 2020, Nassau County adopted a new Beach Ordinance to protect citizens, the environment, and wildlife on beaches in the unincorporated area of Amelia Island (from Peters Point south to the State Park) and to consolidate regulations related to beach activities into one comprehensive document. Since its adoption, staff has continually worked to review beach driving regulations.

Recently, the Board of County Commissioners engaged Coastal Conservation Group, LLC, a northeast Florida firm with expertise in biology, sea turtle research, conservation, sustainability and endangered species monitoring, to conduct an environmental assessment of Nassau County beaches. This included a review of the current Ordinance and related County procedures, as well as meetings with County staff and the beach security team, Giddens.

Based on this assessment, County management staff are recommending amendments clarifying legal intent, motor vehicle access hours, enforcement, defining beachfront park areas, and providing for a Protected Species Management Plan, pursuant to Florida Statute Chapter 89-445 (Senate Bill 1577). Some of these proposed changes are simply to streamline and clarify language; however, there are a few notable revisions we want to bring to the public’s attention:

1. Clarified language affirming the Board’s intent to comply with the Federal Endangered Species Act.
2. Revised hours for motorized vehicles on the beach during sea turtle nesting season, requiring all vehicles to be removed by 7:30 p.m. from May 1st through October 31st each year. From November 1st through April 30th, the vehicle removal time will revert back to 9:00 p.m.
3. Revised hours for horseback riding, prohibiting horseback riding between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. during sea turtle nesting season, May 1st through October 31st each year.
4. Adoption of a Protected Species Management Plan to enhance protection measures for all protected species on the beach.

A public hearing to consider the proposed Ordinance revisions has been scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the Commission Chambers at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097. The proposed Ordinance will be included in the meeting agenda for public review. Copies are also available by emailing contact@nassaucountyfl.com or by calling the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.

While visiting County beaches, you may notice new green cones placed around sea turtle nests. These cones create an extra conservation zone to help protect these environmentally sensitive areas. This is another important step in safeguarding our sea turtle population and providing additional protection for our already healthy dune system.

The County thanks you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support as they work to protect our local ecosystem while balancing the needs of our residents and visitors who enjoy our beaches.