Topping off the end of any grand day with a roaring bonfire by the beach has and will remain a time-honored tradition along the coast of Florida. Though permits are required to start up these blazing beauties and other strict rules regulate exactly when and where fires can be built, there are places all across the Sunshine State where you legally enjoy a classic bonfire and some tasty s’mores. Here are the Florida beaches that allow bonfires.
Enjoy A Beach Bonfire In These Places In Florida
1. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Beach bonfires at this oceanfront Destin favorite can be built as big or as small as you want or desire, which is probably why it’s become a popular choice for canoodlers hoping to cuddle up under the starry night sky.
The resort offers a Romantic Beach Bonfire for Two package that includes everything you’ll need to get that lovin’ on, including two beach chairs, a bottle of bubbly and glasses, as well as enough kiln-dried firewood to last through the evening. There’s even an attendant on site that sets up and cleans up the fire pit – or if you just happen to need help tending to those wild flames. Snazzy.
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Photo: makeshift_tripods/Flickr
2. Volusia County
Volusia County's Beach Safety Division offers fire rings free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations, however, must be made in advance—often times by a certain date early on in the year – as pits are only available during non-turtle nesting seasons (November through April). This basically means that only during November through April can beach goers have a bonfire on one of the beaches stretching from Ormond Beach to Ponce Inlet. Whether its Ormond, Daytona Beach, or New Smyrna Beach, the rules are all the same.
Note that unlike other spots, firewood is not provided in the area, so if you want to get those flames started, have all materials ready to go by purchasing at places like Publix. Find all the rest of Volusia’s beach bonfire rules and download the application here.
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Photo: murraybalkcom/Flickr
3. Walton County
Bring drinks, snacks, a couple dozen buddies, and some good cheer to the Emerald Coast of Florida where companies like SeaOats Beach Service can tailor just for you the bonfire of your wildest dreams. With their Beach Fire plan, you can relax with family and friends under the stars, by the ocean, and with a fire. All firewood, roasting sticks, chairs, cocktail tables, and serving tables are provided, as well as the prep, the clean-up, and full access to all Walton County public beaches.
For those opting not to use a special service, remember that permits are usually always required in the county and in some cases, larger groups need to obtain special permits. Typically, there’s a need to present your approved bonfire permit upon request of a fire official or police officer, and if beach lovers are caught having an impromptu bonfire without required permits, there are serious penalties, including fines and possible jail time (i.e. $500.00 and/or up to 60 days in jail). Careful now.
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This article was written by Pamela Chan.