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 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
