Troy Kent at new dog-friendly beach in Ormond Beach
Paws can now hit sand from sunrise to sunset. But there are rules.
Ormond Beach’s dog-friendly beach, initially established as a pilot program in November 2023, now has the chance to become permanent part of the community.
Volusia County City Council will put the decision to a vote on Tuesday. The dog beach has been both popular among dog owners and controversial for others, prompting competing petitions last year — one calling for the end of the program and the other a counterpetition to keep it going.
If the city council votes in favor of dog-friendly beach section, it will join the list of paw-some dog spots Florida beaches have to offer, including the best in the country, according to USA Today’s 2024 Reader’s Choice list.
Do any beaches in Florida allow dogs?
Yes! Here are five beaches in Florida where visitors can bring a furry friend:
1. Jupiter Dog Beach
Jupiter Dog Beach runs for 2.5 miles from #26 at Marcinski Road to beach marker #57. Dogs are free to wander off-leash along the beach but must be leashed when walking to and from the car or around small children.
Owners must supervise their pets at all times.
Jupiter Dog Beach
48 Ocean Blvd, Jupiter
2. Flagler Beach
Flagler Beach has a designated area where owners can bring their dogs on long walks on the beach. The dog-friendly section is located north of North 10th Street and south of South 10th Street.
Dogs must be kept on a leash shorter than eight feet.
Flagler Beach
900-912 South Daytona Ave, Flagler Beach
3. Cocoa Beach
Dogs are allowed in designated areas along Cocoa Beach from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during standard time, or 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. during daylight saving time.
The dog beach can be accessed in the dog beach area between 4th Street South and the north side of Murkshe Park. Walking along the beach to get to the dog beach is not permitted.
Dogs must be leashed.
Public Dog Park And Cocoa Beach Access
1400 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach
4. Walton Rocks Beach
Walton Rocks Beach’s dog park allows dogs to frolic leash-free. It is established on 24 acres of beach property.
“If a dog bothers other dogs/people, the dog must be fastened to a leash of dependable strength not to exceed eight feet in length…leash must be held or controlled,” St. Lucie County website states.
Walton Rocks Beach / Dog Park
6700 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
5. Panama City Dog Beach
Panama City Dog Beach, located on the west side of the Panama City Pier, requires dogs to be leashed.
It is one of the only beaches in the area that allows pets, the City of Panama City Beach website says.
Free waste bags can be found at beach entrances.
Dog Beach at Pier Park Panama City Beach
33753-000-000, Panama City Beach
Keep your dog safe at beach, during hot weather
American Kennel Club provides tips to consider when bringing a dog to the beach:
- Check the rules and leash regulations.
- Watch for heatstroke. Provide your dog with shade and plenty of chances to rest.
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to your dog.
- Provide lots of fresh water. Limit amount of salt water your dog may drink as it can make them sick.
- Prevent your dog from eating sand. Avoid hot sand or consider booties to protect their feet.
- Be on the lookout for dangerous sea animals.
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