County approves new beach rules

The Nassau County Commission Monday unanimously approved new rules for beach use and wildlife protection. The ordinance consolidates and updates county regulations on primitive camping, horseback riding, and beach driving. The resolution incorporates conservation measures aimed at protecting sea turtle nesting areas and other sensitive habitats along county-controlled beaches.

The votes were 5-0 for adopting both Ordinance 2025-037 and Resolution 2025-132, which implements the county’s Protected Species Management Plan (PSMP).

Earlier this year, members of the Save Historic American Beach, Inc., claimed vehicles driving on the beach were damaging turtles and their nests in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act. Lawyers for the group issued a notice to Nassau County to stop vehicles from driving on American Beach and threatened to file a lawsuit.

Under the ordinance, primitive camping is now limited to the parking area at Burney Park. Commissioners noted that no permits have been issued for camping there, and the restriction formalizes a change made years ago after residents objected to camping on the sand. The “Night Sanders” group, active between 2018 and 2020, had sought permission to continue American Beach’s camping tradition. The county allowed limited group permits in the Burney Parking lot, but officials said the activity has not been in demand and requires extra staffing.

The ordinance also updates horseback riding regulations to align with conservation plans and neighboring counties. Volusia and St. Johns counties’ policies were reviewed for consistency. Officials heard testimony that horse hoof ruts can cause more damage to nesting beaches than vehicle tire tracks. Most sea turtle hatchings occur at night, with daytime events rare, but deep ruts can pose hazards to hatchlings.

Two owners of beach horse riding businesses objected to the timelines, saying eliminating sunrise horse rides would curtail their revenues dramatically.

The PSMP, approved under Resolution 2025-132, establishes detailed environmental protections, including limits on vehicle access during nesting season, new buffer zones around nests and dunes, and daily rut removal near active nests.

Commissioners corrected one section of the plan before adoption, changing “sea turtle” to “sea turtle nest” in a provision regarding beach maintenance activities.

County staff said successful nesting of green and loggerhead turtles has increased in recent years, making protective measures more critical. The plan also consolidates various amendments and public feedback into a single management document.

Commissioners said the updated rules and conservation plan reflect both expert recommendations and community concerns, with some changes incorporated after public suggestions.

In making the motion to approve the rules, Commissioner Alyson McCullough said, "We are listening to the amendments and changes, and we do agree with the public on some of them. But this is a legal procedure that needs to take place so that we can move forward to consolidate."

Coastal Conservation Group, LLC, is a northeast Florida-based firm with expertise in biology, sea turtle research, conservation, sustainability, and endangered species monitoring. This firm conducted an environmental assessment of county beaches and helped shape the proposed changes — including turtle-season vehicle restrictions, horseback riding hours, and a Protected Species Management Plan

Both the ordinance and resolution take effect immediately, with enforcement and public education efforts set to begin before the next sea turtle nesting season in May 2026.

Nassau County Beach Driving Rules – Before and After

Comparison of county rules before August 2025, after now under Ordinance 2025-037, and under the Protected Species Management Plan (PSMP).