I fondly remember the days of drinking on Fort Myers Beach. It wasn’t really legal, but we did it anyway. Going to 7-11 and getting a giant Big Gulp cup and then making a mixed drink to sip on the beach. It was so common that every Spring Breaker outside the Lani Kai was carrying a Big Gulp cup. I’m pretty sure the cops knew. Florida beaches and alcohol have always gone together.

And if you’re going to drink on Fort Myers Beach, you better hide it. The Town Of Fort Myers Beach has this posted “Any person convicted of violation of Section 5 of this Ordinance may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed 60 days, or both.” 60 days in jail for a Mich Ultra? Seems harsh.

The grown up version is to make a drink in a giant Yeti cup. The ice lasts so much longer. That’s how I do my summertime vodka cranberry down on Bonita Beach. Even though it’s not actually legal to do so. There used to be a sign that says “no alcohol”, but the Hurricane Ian destroyed it.

One thing to remember with alcohol on Florida beaches. It’s really never ok to bring glass. Even if no one says don’t bring glass – don’t bring glass. If you break a bottle you’ll never get all the pieces and then someone will step on it.

And it’s hot here. Don’t forget to alternate between booze and bottled water or you’ll be hurting. That dehydration headache is a killer.

  • Perdido Key

    Perdido Key is on the Panhandle, at the Florida – Alabama border. The local sheriff breaks down the rules:

    • There is absolutely NO GLASS allowed on any of the beaches.
    • Alcohol may be consumed on sandy portions of the beaches only. This applies both Soundside and Gulfside. It must not be in a glass container.

    Perdido Key, FL 32507

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  • Pensacola Beach

    Pensacola Beach is in the same county as Perdido Key, so the same rules apply. Pensacola Beach  does have an alcohol free “family zone” west of the pier.

    Pensacola Beach, FL

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  • Shell Island

    It’s ok to drink on private lots and county roads in the middle of the island, but it’s illegal in the State Park area.

    shell island

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  • Panama City Beach

    The PCB has a Spring Break law where no alcohol is allowed on the beach during the month of March. Also, no metal shovels are allowed on the beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. I’m interested in hearing whatever story caused that law. So it’s legal for 11 months out of the year. 

    Panama City Beach, FL

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  • Madeira Beach

    On over to the Tampa – St. Pete Area. We don’t call it Mad Beach for nothing. As is usually the case, no glass.

    Madeira Beach, FL

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  • St. Pete Beach

    Rules on this beach. You can drink on the sand at beachfront hotels, but only if you’re a guest of the hotel.

    St Pete Beach, FL

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  • Treasure Island

    Apparently it’s ok to drink here as long as it’s not day-drinking. No alcohol is allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So pack it and let it set on ice until 4pm. 

    Treasure Island, FL

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  • Siesta Beach

    We’re in Sarasota County. Cans and cups, no glass. Bad behavior is not ok, so be cool.

    Siesta Beach

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  • Turtle Beach

    Another Sarasota County Beach, so the same rules as Siesta.

    Turtle Beach

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  • Lido Beach

    Sarasota County, so it’s cool here, too.

    Lido beach

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  • Naples Municipal Beach

    I see a lot of conflicting information on this one. Some sites say it’s ok to drink on the beach. Others say it’s not. I know you can’t drink at the pier. You can drink on Marco Island beaches. I know people do drink on Naples Beach, but I don’t know if it’s really legal.

    Naples Pier

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  • Flagler Beach

    Let’s move on over to the East Coast. The Sheriff’s Department says this “Open containers are prohibited except on the sand of the beaches. ” So finish it before you step off the sand.

    Flagler Beach, FL 32136

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  • Cocoa Beach

    Drinking is fine, but no glass, and no pets. Sometimes there’s even live music out on the sand.

    Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

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  • Playalinda Beach

    Not only can you drink here, but if you park in lot 13 that takes you to a clothing optional section of the beach. Yes, a nude beach where drinking is allowed. How have I not been here, yet?

    Playalinda Beach

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