Press Release
By Nassau County Board of County Commissioners
8/16/25
Nassau County, Florida, August 13, 2025 – The Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) understands and values the community’s long-standing tradition of beach
use and the importance it holds for residents and visitors alike. The BOCC also
recognizes that your beaches are home to fragile ecosystems and endangered
species that depend on this environment for survival.
As stewards of our natural resources, Nassau County has a responsibility to
safeguard these areas so they can be enjoyed by future generations. This means
making thoughtful adjustments to beach use that both preserve cherished
recreational opportunities and ensure we are protecting nesting wildlife, dune
systems, and other sensitive habitats.
To ensure consistency with Federal law and in further protection of the endangered
species on the Atlantic Ocean Beaches under the jurisdiction of Nassau County, the
BOCC held a public hearing on Monday, August 11, 2025, adopting a new Nassau
County Protected Species Management Plan. This plan includes modifying beach
access hours for motorized vehicles and horses during sea turtle nesting season.
The permitted hours for access from May 1 – October 31 (sea turtle nesting season)
are now 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. From November 1 to April 30, the hours of access are
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Additionally, new signage will be in place to mark a Conservation Zone, 10-feet
seaward from the permanent line of native vegetation, demarking the dune system.
This zone prevents any access and parking is prohibited. There will also be additional conspicuous signage marking identified sea turtle nests to create an additional 10
foot buffer. Finally, a rut removal program will be implemented in coordination with
the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch, as required.
Beginning Monday, August 18th the Vehicular Beach Access Ramps will
enforce the newly adopted hours of access for motor vehicles and horses,
beginning at 7:30 am and closing at 7:30 pm.
The BOCC’s goal is to work collaboratively with our environmental partners to
maintain beach access in ways that are environmentally responsible, sustainable,
and compatible with the needs of the species that share our shoreline. We thank the
public for their understanding and cooperation as we work together to protect both
our traditions and our environment.
