Dog on the shoreline of the Gulf at Cape San Blas, Florida

Can you drive on the beach at Cape San Blas?

Yes

with a Gulf County permit

Beach driving is allowed at Cape San Blas and Indian Pass, but only with a Gulf County beach driving permit on the vehicle. Driving without one is a $500 fine.

Permit

Required

Speed limit

15 mph

Nights, May–Oct

Closed

The rule

Permit on the vehicle, 15 mph, and off the dunes.

Without a Permit, you CANNOT drive on the beaches.

Gulf County Tax Collector

The permit is a numbered decal tied to one specific vehicle, and it runs to 31 December of the year it is issued whatever month you buy it. It comes from the Gulf County Tax Collector, by post or in person — there is no online purchase. Bring a copy of your current vehicle registration and your driver’s licence. Out-of-county permits have been capped in recent years, so do not leave it until you arrive.

Penalty: $500 for a first offence driving without a permit, $750 for a second. Buy a permit within seven days and the first offence drops to $100 plus the permit fee. Three violations and the permit is revoked.

On the sand

Four rules that get enforced.

Recreational vehicles, travel trailers, campers, motor homes and semi-trailers are not allowed on the beach at all.

15 mph maximum, or less where posted

Driving in, on or over the sand dunes or any vegetation is strictly prohibited

Pedestrians and pets have the right of way, and the permit holder is responsible for everyone in the vehicle

1 May – 31 October, no driving between sunset and sunrise on the beaches adjacent to the Aquatic Preserve

Where you can get on

Six designated access points. No other route is legal.

Obtaining access by a route other than a county designated beach access point is prohibited, and carries its own $500 fine.

Dunes Drive

Salinas Park Gulf

Ski Breeze Drive

Lee Street

S. Higgins Street

Indian Pass Boat Launch

Two to check before you travel: Stump Hole access has been closed, and access-point lists go stale — confirm with the Tax Collector. There is no beach driving inside T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park; the permitted stretch stops at the park entrance.

More Cape San Blas rules

The other three, in the same shape.

Staying on Cape San Blas?

Rentals booked direct with the owner. No service fee.

Browse rentals

Official

Gulf County Tax Collector — beach driving permit Ch. 8 Art. III, Gulf County Code of Ordinances

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.