Beach fire permitting is under way for beach fires planned for December 2024-February 2025.

Permits & Applications

• Permits are required: All beach fires require a permit. Permits are $75 with a $150 refundable deposit.
• Application period: Applications for beach fires planned for December 2024-February 2025 will be accepted in-person only between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting Dec. 2. 
• Location: Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd.
• You must have a City of Atlantic Beach Recreation Permit Account: To expedite the permitting process, please create an account at www.coab.us/recpermits in advance of arriving at the office to apply for a permit.

Who Can Get a Permit?

• Age requirement: Beach fire permit holders must be at least 21 years old. ID required.

Beach Fire Days, Times & Prohibited Locations

• Beach Fire days: Beach fires are permitted on these holidays and the day before these holidays: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King. Jr. Day, and President’s Day. Beach fires are prohibited near the Atlantic, Ahern, 7^th, 15^th, and 19^th Street beach accesses. (Beach fires are prohibited near the 18th Street beach access for much of the latter part of 2024 because of walkover rehabilitation.)

Beach Fire Restrictions

• One beach fire per permit, one permit per person per day.
• Permit holder: Must be onsite during the length of the permitted beach fire.
• Attendance limit: No more than 25 people may attend a beach fire.
• Fire location: Fires can only be built on the beach where permitted, not within 20 feet of the dunes. Keep off the dunes! Disturbing sea oats is a violation punishable by a fine.
• Fire size: Fires must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
• Fire hours: Fires can be lit no earlier than 6 p.m. and must be completely extinguished by 10 p.m.
• Parking: Beach fire permits do not extend parking privileges beyond posted times.

Responsible Beach Fire Management (All of these requirements must be met for the deposit to be refunded)

• Beach fire sign: A City-issued fire permit sign must be displayed at the fire location and returned to Adele Grage Cultural Center the next business day. Signs must picked up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the Friday before your permitted beach fire.
• Fire debris: Completely remove ashes, debris, and coals from the beach. Fill in fire pits with sand and level the area.
• Burning materials: Only use natural, untreated wood pieces less than 3 feet long, free of nails, screws, or other metals. Burning Christmas trees, pallets, construction materials, and treated wood is strictly prohibited.
• Trash disposal: Soak remnants of burnt wood and ashes before disposal. Trash and cooled fire debris must be disposed of in designated bins or taken with you.

Deposits & Refunds

• Deposits are refunded by mail within 30 days of returning the permit sign and submitting a photo (taken the night of the fire) of the restored fire area and confirmation by city staff (email photo to recreation@coab.us).
• Deposit forfeiture: Deposits will not be refunded if all requirements in the “Beach Fire Restrictions” and “Responsible Fire Management” sections are not met. 

Penalties

• Per city code, in addition to forfeiting the return of a deposit, those who violate the beach fire regulations shall: be subject to receiving a citation and civil penalty in the amount of $500 for each violation; immediately remedy the violation; and immediately have their beach fire permit revoked. Also, any person who refuses to comply with the regulations after being directed to do so by a law enforcement officer commits a misdemeanor punishable as provided by FSS 775.082 or 775.083.

About Our Beach Fire Regulations

• Permit system: This system helps manage fire numbers, ensure safety, and fund beach maintenance and beach fire enforcement.
• Environmental protection: Regulations ensure ashes, debris, and fire pits are removed, protecting the beach ecosystem.
• Age restrictions: These restrictions ensure responsible adult supervision.
• Time limits: Having fire time limits balances the needs of beachgoers and residents.

Beach Fire Regulations Updates

These regulations are subject to update; the latest regulations are posted at www.coab.us/beachfires.  

Your Feedback Matters!

We value your input on our beach fire regulations and welcome suggestions for improvement. Email your thoughts to info@coab.us.

Happy fireside nights!

Updated 11/27/24