How to Find a Dog Friendly Beach on Florida's Emerald Coast
- 1). Visit the beaches of South Walton county, running along State Highway 30-A, after 6 p.m. in spring and summer and after 3 p.m. in fall and winter. Walton County issues "dog on the beach" permits for these hours. Only residents and property owners can obtain permits, but if you're renting a house or a condo, the owner should be able to help you obtain a permit. You must be able to provide current vaccination records, and your dog must be wearing up-to-date tags on your visit.
- 2). Hike the nature trails in the Florida state parks along the Emerald Coast, but don't cross the dunes. Florida state parks allow dogs but in a limited capacity. No state park along the Emerald Coast allows dogs on the beaches at any time. They do allow dogs on nature trails, which skirt the beaches and have great views, and at certain campsites. Best to make it a day trip.
- 3). Visit the area just west of the Dan Russell pier in Panama City Beach. You can't miss the pier because it's over a 1/4-mile long and it's the only pier on Panama City Beach. The city has sanctioned the area just west of the pier as dog-friendly, which means you're allowed to bring your dog between sunup and sundown. Your dog must be on a leash that stretches no longer than 6 feet, and you must maintain control of and clean up after your dog.
