Frequently Asked Questions

The safety and enjoyment of Franklin County, Florida’s public beaches are affected by changes in tide and surf conditions. To minimize the risks of drowning or serious injury, the Florida Coastal Management Program worked with the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association, the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), and the International Life Saving Federation to develop a uniform warning flag program for use by Florida’s beachfront communities. 

Beach conditions and Flag warnings can be located here - https://www.franklincountyparks.com/parks-recreation/beach-flag-warnings/

Below are the summary rules for golf carts.  Please verify any details with Franklin County Sheriff's department:

1. Operator(s) of golf cart must be 16 years of age and have in their possession a valid driver’s license.  If an underage driver is caught driving a golf cart, they will receive a ticket.  
2. No children can be in the lap of the driver.    
3. Golf Carts are NOT allowed on Gulf Beach Drive, Franklin Blvd, or the Recreational Path.  Golf carts may cross these roads  
4. DO NOT OPERATE Cart on the beach or in the surf.   
5. Golf Carts operated after sunset must have lights turned on  
6. Golf carts are not allowed in St. George Plantation, except for registered homeowners

Rules may change, so please contact Franklin County Sheriff's Department to verify current laws.

St. George Island public beaches are all dog friendly.  Dogs are required to be on a leash and owners are required to pickup and dispose of pet waste.  Franklin county provides waste bags and trash cans at the public beach access points.     Dogs are also allowed in the state part, but are not allowed on the beach in the state park.

Yes, you will need a fishing license to fish from any access point.   You can find details on where to acquire a license on the Florida Fish and Wildlife site. https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/how-to-order/

 The following are allowed on the Recreational Path:

• Pedestrians on foot.
• Manually Powered Devices (bicycle, stand up push scooters, skateboards, roller skates and blades, etc.), daylight only unless a headlight and rear reflector.
• Battery Powered Devices (E-bikes, E-stand up scooters, E-skateboards, Segway, etc.), daylight only unless a headlight and rear reflector.
• Any pedestrian walking or jogging on the path at night shall have a flashlight or headlamp. 
• Emergency and authorized maintenance & law enforcement vehicles.
• Wheelchairs or any Handicapped devices (EPAMDs)conventional and electric.
• Pets on a leash and owners clean up.

 The following are the rules for the Recreational Path:

• No racing of any form, except for special events approved by the county.
• No blocking public access, except for special events approved by the county.
• Normal rules of the road apply to the paths. When approaching oncoming path users, each user shall move to his right side of the path, passing on the left side of the path. Pedestrians may walk on the left.
• Pedestrians on foot should be given right of way by all other path users.
• A verbal or audible warning is recommended when approaching pedestrians on foot from behind.
• Littering is prohibited, please dispose of trash into any containers along the path or road or hold to dispose of later.

Franklin County enforces a “Leave No Trace” ordinance to ensure the preservation of the region’s beaches, wildlife, and natural environment. The ordinance prohibits leaving anything on the beach (beyond the dune line) overnight, including chairs, tents, canopies, umbrellas, and beach toys. Help to keep our sandscapes and shorelines clean and clear while protecting beach and marine wildlife by collecting all of your belongings at the end of your day, and properly disposing of all waste.