Can you bring a dog to the beach at WindMark Beach?

Yes

under direct control, at all times

The county leash rule applies at WindMark and nothing in the code bans dogs from this stretch of sand. Be aware the walkovers and cart paths inside the development are community property, and the community can set its own rules on them.

Leash

Always

Public access

South Access

Community paths

HOA rules

The rule

County rules on the sand. Community rules on the paths.

It shall be unlawful for any animal to run or remain at large on any street, road, alley, park or other public place.

§ 6-10, Gulf County Code of Ordinances

Direct control means immediate continuous physical control by means of a leash, cord or chain. WindMark Beach sits on Highway 98 in unincorporated Gulf County, so the county rule governs the beach. WindMark is also a master-planned community with its own association, and a community association can regulate its own walkovers, trails and common areas even though it cannot narrow the public’s rights on the sand below mean high water.

Worth knowing: no official county or tourism page names WindMark specifically as pet friendly, unlike Cape San Blas and St. Joe Beach. The county rule permits leashed dogs; check with your host about the walkovers.

Getting to the sand

One public access, with parking and showers.

WindMark Beach South Access is a public county listing, not a private amenity.

WindMark Beach South Access, 365 Flat Water St West — walk-on access with parking

Bathrooms and outdoor showers to rinse off before you get back in the car

It sits on the BeachWalk Trail, a 2.5-mile paved path running along the water

There is a further access at WindMark North, 5901 W. Hwy 98, with parking and restrooms

The neighbours

Ten minutes in either direction, the rules change.

WindMark sits between two very different sets of rules.

St. Joe Beach, to the north-west — same county rules, plus the only public off-leash dog park in the county at Beacon Hill

Mexico Beach, further north-west — dogs banned from the beach and the City Pier, except west of Canal Parkway

Cape San Blas and Indian Pass, out on the peninsula — leashed dogs welcome, same county rule

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park — no dogs on the beach at all

More WindMark Beach rules

The other three, in the same shape.

Staying at WindMark Beach?

Rentals booked direct with the owner. No service fee.

Browse rentals

Official

§ 6-10, Gulf County Code of Ordinances WindMark Beach South Access

Rules and regulations change. This page is intended as a general overview to help you plan your trip and is not a substitute for reading the current official rules yourself. Laws, permit requirements, and enforcement can change at any time, and this content may not reflect the most current version. It is your responsibility to verify current rules directly with the relevant city, county, or State of Florida agency. Book Direct Forgotten Coast is not responsible for citations, fines, accidents, or other consequences resulting from reliance on this page.