Can you drive on the beach at Indian Pass?

Yes

with a Gulf County permit

Indian Pass is the eastern end of the only stretch of Gulf County beach open to vehicles. You need a Gulf County beach driving permit on the vehicle. Without one it is a $500 fine.

Permit

Required

Speed limit

15 mph

Access

Boat ramp

The rule

The driving stretch starts here and runs west.

Those beaches fronting on the Gulf of Mexico, running from Indian Pass to the East to the T.H. Stone Park in the North.

Gulf County beach driving ordinance

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

The seasonal sunset-to-sunrise closure is written for the beaches adjacent to the Aquatic Preserve, which is a different stretch — read the signs posted at the access

Getting on at Indian Pass

One access point, at the end of the road.

The Indian Pass boat ramp sits at the terminus of C-30B, and its public parking doubles as beach parking.

Indian Pass Boat Launch is the designated county access point at this end of the beach

Obtaining access by any other route is prohibited and carries its own $500 fine

No vehicles on St. Vincent Island across the pass — the refuge allows bicycles only

Access-point lists go stale and Stump Hole has been closed. Confirm the current list with the Tax Collector before you travel

More Indian Pass rules

The other three, in the same shape.

Staying at Indian Pass?

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.