Know Before You Go In
- Gulf County Beach Flag System - The Beach Flag System in Gulf County is managed and maintained by volunteers from the community and the South Gulf Fire Rescue. Each day they will update the flags on Cape San Blas and Indian Pass, as well as their Facebook Page. Make sure to click this link to South Gulf Fire Rescue Facebook Page for flag updates. St. Joe Beach is not under their management, so please swim at your own risk.
- Rip Currents - Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from the shore. They typically extend from near the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Click this link for some FAQs on Rip Currents from U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). You can even be prepared before heading to the beach by watching this PSA from NOAA on Protecting Yourself During a Rip Current.
- Lifeguards- Gulf County DOES NOT have lifeguards on any of our public beaches. Please be cautious when entering any body of water.
- Be Weather Aware- Weather can change in Florida very frequently, especially during summer. Make sure to download a weather app before you arrive. You can also sign up for ALERT Gulf from the Gulf County Emergency Management, which will send you text alerts about incoming weather. Another option is downloading the Gulf County Sheriff's Office's local APP for local safety information.
Tips & Tricks for An Easy Beach Day
- Beach Access Points - There are several access points located on several Gulf County beaches to make your day easier. We even have a Beach Access Map to help you plan your day out. Keep in mind that our beaches are very different. Many of our accesses offer Mobi Mats as a helpful way to get down to the beach. Make sure to read the description of each access on our map to locate those Mobi Mats. If you need help picking out a beach for your day, feel free to reach out to a concierge.
- Beach Wheelchairs- If someone in your party needs a beach wheelchair, there are several options. Vacation Prep Squad will deliver one to your Vacation Home to utilize while you are in Gulf County. You can also visit T. H. Stone St. Joseph Peninsula State Park or William J "Billie Joe" Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas. Their facilities are wonderful, and both of the parks have beach wheelchairs for use.
- Beach Location Markers - When you're on our beaches, you may notice several white posts on the dune line. These posts not only have some great information and let you know where the dunes begin, but it also helps EMS Staff & Sheriff Officers know where you are. Each post has a Name (CSB, IP. SJB) and a number that is connected to the County Geographic Information System. If you are someone else injured, you see an injured animal, or any other issues that may arise, you can use these Beach Location Markers for personnel to help find you.
Beach Driving
- Rules of the Sand - Beach driving is a great way to access the beach for those who may need a little help or want to access hard-to-reach places on the beach. There are some rules to follow if you choose to go this route. Firstly, you must get a Beach Driving Permit from the Gulf County Tax Collector's Office. Without a Permit, you CANNOT drive on the beaches. The permit is valid until December 31st of the year issued. When you get to the beaches, the speed limit is 15 MPH and you must use dedicated beach driving accesses. There are many other rules, please review the full Gulf County Beach Driving Ordinance before deciding to get a Beach Driving Permit.
- Beach Driving Access Points- Beach driving is only allowed on Indian Pass Beaches, west towards Elgin Air Force Base Property on the "elbow" of Cape San Blas. The other area where beach driving is allowable is north St. Joseph Peninsula until the entrance of T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Please see the Beach Access Map for all accesses.
- Stump Hole Beach Access has been closed until further notice. Last Updated: 6/28/23
Golf Cart Rules
Golf carts can be a fun and convenient way to get around during your stay. To help keep your vacation safe and enjoyable, remember that rules vary between Gulf County and the City of Port St. Joe. Even when a golf cart is available to rent, it may not be permitted on every road or in every parking area.
Before heading out, review the information below, pay attention to posted signs and make sure you understand the rules for the areas where you plan to drive and park.
Which Rules Apply?
Florida law applies throughout Gulf County, while additional local rules depend on where you are driving.
City of Port St. Joe rules apply within the incorporated city limits.
St. Joe Beach, Cape San Blas and Indian Pass are outside the City of Port St. Joe and are subject to Gulf County rules. Some properties outside the city limits still have a Port St. Joe mailing address, so the mailing address alone does not determine which rules apply.
If you are unsure, check the Gulf County Interactive GIS Map or contact the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office at 850-227-1115 before operating a golf cart.
Driving a Golf Cart
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County roads: Golf carts may operate on Gulf County roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.
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State highways: Golf carts may not operate on state-maintained highways unless an area has been specifically designated by the Florida Department of Transportation.
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Approved crossings: State highways may only be crossed at locations specifically approved and marked with golf cart signage.
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Sidewalks: Golf carts are not permitted on sidewalks.
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Florida driver requirements: Operators under 18 must have a valid learner’s driver license or driver license. Operators 18 or older must carry valid government-issued photo identification.
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Nighttime operation: Golf carts may generally operate between sunrise and sunset. Nighttime operation is allowed only where authorized and when the cart is equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield.
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Traffic laws: Golf cart operators must follow applicable traffic laws and may receive traffic citations.
Coastal Parking Restrictions
The following parking restrictions apply within the coastal areas identified in Gulf County Ordinance 2026-02:
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U.S. Highway 98 in St. Joe Beach: Golf cart parking is prohibited in the rights-of-way on both the landward and seaward sides of U.S. Highway 98, from the Bay County line/County Road 386 area to Pine Street.
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Stop signs: Do not park within 50 feet in any direction of a stop sign when the cart would obstruct a driver’s line of sight.
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No-parking signs: Do not park within 200 feet of a Gulf County no-parking sign.
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County parks: Commercial rental companies may not stage or park rental golf carts in County parks. Residents and visitors may use golf carts while visiting a park, but carts may not be illegally parked or left unattended overnight or for an extended period.
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Penalties: Parking violations may result in fines of $100 for the first violation, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third. Golf carts may also be immobilized or impounded.
City of Port St. Joe
Additional requirements apply within the incorporated City of Port St. Joe:
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Driver requirements: Golf carts must be operated by someone who is at least 16 and has a valid driver’s license. A person with a valid learner’s permit may operate a golf cart only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18.
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City registration: Golf carts must be registered with the City and display the required registration decal.
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Approved City streets: Golf carts may operate on City streets with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less, subject to the restrictions below.
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State and county roads: Golf carts may not operate on state or county roads within the City, including Highways 98 and 71, except to cross at designated intersections marked for golf cart use.
Garrison and Long Avenues: Golf carts may use these roads only to access the next side street and for no more than two City blocks.
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Operating hours: Golf carts may operate between sunrise and midnight when properly equipped.
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Passengers: A golf cart may not carry more passengers than the number of available seats.
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Safety equipment: Required equipment includes brakes, reliable steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, windshield, headlights, taillights, turn signals, and front and rear reflectors.
Review Complete Rules and Information
This summary is provided as a quick visitor reference and does not replace applicable laws, ordinances or posted signs.
