01Which Florida beaches allow dogs?
Most Florida beaches do not allow dogs on the sand at all, so the ones that do are worth knowing by name.
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Can I take my dog to a Florida state park?
Yes, many Florida state parks allow dogs on a leash no longer than six feet, but not on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or inside buildings.
Florida State Parks, the state's park system, says pets must be leashed or under a person's physical control at all times. Pets are not allowed on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, in swimming areas, or in cabins, park buildings, restrooms or food service areas. Owners must pick up after their pets and put the waste in a trash can. Every pet must be vaccinated against rabies, as Florida law requires.
There is one beach exception: the pet beach at Honeymoon Island State Park. Five parks do not allow pets at all: Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and Egmont Key State Park.
Campers can bring a pet to the campsite. A pet may not be left alone at the campsite for more than 30 minutes, and it must stay inside the tent or camper during quiet hours, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Pet food should not be left out overnight. A pet that is noisy, dangerous or destructive will not be allowed to stay in the park. Several parks have their own pet rules, so the park system says to call the park before you go or ask a park ranger when you get there.
Service animals are welcome in all public areas of the parks, including pool decks but not the pools.
Florida State Parks' information line is 850-245-2157. To make a camping or cabin reservation, call 1-800-326-3521.
Where to go from here.
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02Which Florida state parks are worth a whole day?
Florida has one of the larger state park systems in the country and a dozen or so carry a full day on their own.
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03What do I need to bring my dog to Florida?
Proof of its rabies shot. Florida law requires every dog, cat and ferret 4 months or older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and vaccinated again 12 months after the first shot; counties may set rules of their own that go further.
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04Is there a Florida state parks annual pass?
Yes. The Individual Annual Entrance Pass is $60 and the Family Annual Entrance Pass $120, good for one year from the month you buy it; the family pass lets in up to eight people entering together.
Read the answer →Where this comes from.
- Florida State Parks Pet Policy, Florida State Parks ↗ Read October 28, 2026
- Pets in Parks brochure, Florida State Parks ↗ Read October 28, 2026
- Reservation Information, Florida State Parks ↗ Read October 28, 2026
More questions like this.
What is there to do outdoors in Florida?
Florida's outdoor choices include 175 state parks, trails and historic sites, freshwater and saltwater fishing, and a 2,000-mile wildlife viewing trail.
Which Florida state parks are worth a whole day?
Florida has one of the larger state park systems in the country and a dozen or so carry a full day on their own.
Where can you camp on the coast in Florida?
Camping on the sand itself is not permitted in Florida, but a number of parks put you a short walk behind the dune, and those sites book out months ahead.
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