Rules and regulations for the beaches of Anna Maria Island are governed by Florida State Law, the code of ordinances of Manatee County plus the additions and modifications within the 3 cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, that comprise the municipalities of the island.
The beach is considered a ‘park’ for the purposes of applicable codes and enforcement of rules. Alleys and paths to the beach are included as ‘entryways’. Some special rules apply at the county public beach parks Anna Maria Bayfront Park, Coquina Bayside Park, Coquina Gulfside Park, and Manatee Beach Park where there are facilities and areas zoned for specific uses, and lifeguards.
The main regulations include:
- No consumption or possession of alcohol
- No assembly without permit
- No pets except service animals
- No vehicles or bicycles except wheelchairs
- No disturbing or feeding wildlife
- No removal of natural resources
- No littering
- No fires
- No fireworks
- No launching watercraft except surfboards, sailboats, catamarans, kayaks
- No throwing games or propelled objects
- No lights, unattended chairs and cabanas, screens, umbrellas, between sunset and sunrise during turtle nesting season May 1 to October 31.