Florida is a metal detector’s dream. With deep sands and beautiful waters, Florida beaches are an amazing place to hunt for washed-up treasures. Especially for the amateur hobbyist, it is a wonderful environment to hunt as you don’t typically need specialized equipment other than a detector that is waterproof.
Follow this little guide for all the information you need to start metal detecting in Florida on the beautiful Florida beaches.
Best Metal Detector for Florida Beaches
Garrett AT PRO is one of the most appropriate detectors that you can use on Florida beaches. This detector consists of a waterproof D.D. search coil 8.5 by 11 inches. Waterproofing is essential for Florida hobbyists so you can detect objects under the water easily without impairing or damaging the metal detector. It is also lightweight so you can carry it around on the beach with ease.
The AT PRO model works both manually and automatically, adjusting the settings according to the ground balance. It has a depth indicator, too, that tells the distance between the coin and the surface. It has a frequency of 15 kHz, helping you to detect minor objects. It has excellent sound too.
A high-resolution detector helps in separating the waste from the treasure, and it has a range of 1-40 on the meter. Due to overcrowding at the beaches of Florida, there is plenty of debris, this detector does not count small pieces but instead assists you in detecting significant objects. There are numerous other products, but the AT PRO has the most significant advantages over all of them and is widely used by hobbyists. (Click here to see other Beach Detector Options)
What Laws Regulate Detecting in Florida?
State Laws of Antiquities and federal law ARPA regulate metal detecting according to the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979. Metal detecting is practiced as a hobby in Florida, so the state does not prohibit it. However, there are only specific areas where you can conduct your hunt.
You can use your metal detector in most places in the state, but it is important to know when or if you need a permit. Florida is actually one of the few places that offer a lifetime detecting permit that you can obtain through the Federation of Metal Detector & Archeological Clubs, Inc. So once you have it, no more hassle and you can hunt anywhere.
Can You Use a Metal Detector on Florida Beaches?
Beaches in Florida permit hunting as long as you have the proper permits. If the beach is private, you need to obtain permission, but other than that it is relatively easy to start your search on the beaches anytime you like.
There is a finder’s keepers rule that Florida abides by if you find anything on the beach. However, if you discover something that is over 50 years old, it is the property of the state and you are not permitted to keep it.
Where Are Some Great Detecting Locations?
Florida’s history is comprised of some very interesting things like incidents of pirates, hidden treasures, and many lost ships. Also, there are a lot of parks, beaches, and forests that act as suitable locations to search for metals. You are free to use your detector in these places without any issue.
The Little Talbot Island State Park, in the North-east of Florida, is one of these parks that act as a great place to get your hunting started.
Some other great parks are:
- Naples
- Augustine
- Fort Myers
- Everglades National Park
- Duval Street
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay
Best Metal Detecting Beaches in Florida
Florida is notorious for its sandy seashores. You can enjoy the surf, sun, and use your detector to invest your time in finding metals and other treasures. Some great beaches to start your search are:
- Key West
- South Beach
- Siesta Key
- Delray
- Clearwater Beach
- Sanibel
- Atlantic Beach
- Palm Beach
- Captiva Island
- Naples Beach
Where to Get Detectors in Florida
Florida has you covered if you’ve made a true hobby out of metal detecting. There are numerous shops and vendors that cater to your equipment needs throughout the state. Some famous sellers around the state assisting in this hobby are:
- Kellyco MDs
- Myers MDs
- Reilly’s Treasured Gold
- Tectron Metal Detection
- Treasure Finders
- Ideal Metal Detector Rentals
Detecting Clubs in Florida
Florida is the jackpot for dynamic clubs and societies that relate to metal detecting.These groups have activities and organize tours together, but they can also be useful in getting a permit or a license for their new members. Some of these clubs are:
- Lucie MD Club
- Central Florida Metal Detecting
- South Florida Treasure Hunters
- Historical Recovery Association Of North Florida
- Ocala Metal Detecting
- P.A.A. Orlando Chapter
- P.P.A. Starke Chapter
- P.A.A. South Florida Gold Coast Chapter
- Dig & Find Coinshooters & Historical
- Panhandle Research & Recovery
- SRARC – Suncoast Research & Recovery
- Treasure Coast Archeological Society
- C.A.S. – Treasure Coast Archaeological Society
- West State Archaeological Society
- Villages Treasure Hunters
- Gold Coast Treasure
- Manatee Search & Recovery
- Southwest Florida Treasure Hunters’ Association
- Imperial Treasure Hunters
- Florida Marine Historical & Archeological Society
- Treasure Trove Chapter
- Mid-Florida Historical Research & Recovery Association
- Tropic Treasure Hunters & Recovery Club
- Weeki Wachee
- Treasure Finders
- Geo Prospects
- Pensacola Historical & Treasure Hunters’ Association
- Treasure Coast
Where to Find Gold and Other Exciting Treasures
It is written in the history of Florida that in the 18th century, 11 Spanish ships that contained ornaments and treasure and wrecked on the beach of Florida. The most suitable regions to search for gold are the east-central beaches. However, the most important places are the north and south, including:
- Melbourne Beach
- Vero Beach
- Bonsteel Park
- Aquarina Beach
- Pepper Park Beach
- Wabasso Beach
Hobbyists believe that the pirates have left a large number of gemstones, gold coins, and treasure boxes to be found.
Best Rivers to Search
There are a lot of rivers that flow through Florida and most of these rivers are attached through the Gulf or the Atlantic coast. Some of the most metal-rich rivers are:
- Apalachicola River
- Johns River
- Chassahowitzka River
- Ichetucknee River
- Alapaha River
- Conecuh River
- Pea River
- Indian River
- Choctawhatchee River
- Hillsborough River
- Suwannee River
- Withlacoochee River
- Little Manatee River
- Ocklawaha River
- Myakka River
- The Peace River
- Santa Fe River
It is best if you go through a guide to ensure you equip yourself with enough knowledge before you step foot in these rivers as it can be dangerous.
Final Thoughts
Florida is one of the best places where you can conduct a treasure hunt. The state is full of metals that you can find in many places throughout the state. The beaches are plentiful and the hobby is popular, which makes it that much easier to get your hunt started. If you’ve tried enough rivers and beaches in Florida, then try one of these other 15 detecting places.
Researching more about the state and its metal detecting rules and regulations, will equip you when you decide to make your trip. All in all, the sun, surf, and possibility of treasure finds are enough to draw any enthusiast in.
