New Beach Access Regulations Effective Monday, August 18, 2025

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) understands and values the community’s long-standing tradition of beach use and the importance it holds for residents and visitors alike. The BOCC also recognizes that your beaches are home to fragile ecosystems and endangered species that depend on this environment for survival.

As stewards of our natural resources, Nassau County has a responsibility to safeguard these areas so they can be enjoyed by future generations. This means making thoughtful adjustments to beach use that both preserve cherished recreational opportunities and ensure we are protecting nesting wildlife, dune systems, and other sensitive habitats.

To ensure consistency with Federal law and in further protection of the endangered species on the Atlantic Ocean Beaches under the jurisdiction of Nassau County, the BOCC held a public hearing on Monday, August 11, 2025, adopting a new Nassau County Protected Species Management Plan. This plan includes modifying beach access hours for motorized vehicles and horses during sea turtle nesting season. The permitted hours for access from May 1 – October 31 (sea turtle nesting season) are now 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. From November 1 to April 30, the hours of access are 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Additionally, new signage will be in place to mark a Conservation Zone, 10-feet seaward from the permanent line of native vegetation, demarking the dune system. This zone prevents any access and parking is prohibited. There will also be additional conspicuous signage marking identified sea turtle nests to create an additional 10-foot buffer. Finally, a rut removal program will be implemented in coordination with the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, as required.

Beginning Monday, August 18th the Vehicular Beach Access Ramps will enforce the newly adopted hours of access for motor vehicles and horses, beginning at 7:30 am and closing at 7:30 pm.

The BOCC’s goal is to work collaboratively with our environmental partners to maintain beach access in ways that are environmentally responsible, sustainable, and compatible with the needs of the species that share our shoreline. We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation as we work together to protect both our traditions and our environment.