Any New Florida Laws?

[goldringseaker]

I'm heading do there over Easter and was wondering if there were any new laws prohibiting metal detecting. Thanks.

 

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[GatorBoy]

It's no mystery where these wrecks are located ..the missing ships.. well that's different.
I'm a life long resident of the Treasure Coast and avid detectorist.
The beach is fare game between mean low tide and the foot of the dune.
I've never heard anything about salvagers having to stay 1500 yrds. Off the beach.
In contrast.. I have frequently seen boats with big mailboxes blowing big holes right in the dropoff inside the first reef.
I do however..have a question on how the rules on the beach may apply to the intercoastal waterway.
Would the tide line rules apply there?

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

It's no mystery where these wrecks are located ..the missing ships.. well that's different.
I'm a life long resident of the Treasure Coast and avid detectorist.
The beach is fare game between mean low tide and the foot of the dune.
I've never heard anything about salvagers having to stay 1500 yrds. Off the beach.
In contrast.. I have frequently seen boats with big mailboxes blowing big holes right in the dropoff inside the first reef.
I do however..have a question on how the rules on the beach may apply to the intercoastal waterway.
Would the tide line rules apply there?



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Interesting question. These new Florida laws are very confusing.

 

[ivan salis]

there is a "radius" area from the center of the "claim" --a lot depends upon the exact claim spot * that the claim is based upon * some are closer to shore than others * a few are close enough to be all the way to the shoreline (high water mark) for those claim areas hunting in the water in those areas is a no -no .--many are off shore far enough that you can hunt the shallow water areas except for one lil problem * if one wants to be "by the state rules" from the state of Florida's "official" point of view --from the high water line out to the 3 mile limit is state owned waters * and your not suppose to hunt in it for treasure without a "permit"

which is why I stick to dry land (beach hunting) from high water mark to dunes foot *(aka as "the beach" -public domain area )-- if one still wants to be "official" the state wants you to report / turn over items over 50 years old * even if found on the "beach" --yep the "state' is one greedy selfish buncha you know whats --- anything valuable or historically cool --gimme mine, mine

 

[GatorBoy]

No claim extends west of average high tide mark... regardless of proximity to the shore.

 

[ivan salis]

agreed that's why I hunt from high tide mark to dunes foot --aka dry land or "the beach" --but the claims can run all the way to shore to the "high tide mark" water wise.--once it hits "dry land" (the high tide mark" the claim dies )---- its only for lower than high tide mark outwards to sea --the beach is public domain * except for a few federal and state park places where MDing is not allowed.

 

[goldkey]

I lived in Florida from about 2003-2008. While there a friend of mine and I joined up with the Mel Fisher museum in Sebastian, Fl. It cost us $1000 dolllars to become a sub-contractor for one year.
This contract with them allowed us to hunt in the water along what is called the Treasure Coast. Anywhere from Melbourne down past Jupiter, Fl there are the wreck sites that are located very close to all the beaches. It is illegal to hunt in the water because the people that are still salvaging those wreck sites have those areas claimed. When my friend and I joined with the museum we went to one of the sites where they were still offshore in their boats salvaging for treasure. They didn't know who we were....and when they saw us from their boats....us going into the water....they promptly called the police on us. An officer arrived on a four wheeler and commenced asking us what we were doing in the water. We explained to him that we had just joined up with the Mel Fisher museum as sub-contractors. We had to show all our paper work. He was very polite at that time and we had a good conversation with him. We were MD'ing legally in the surf. If they see you in the water anywhere from Melbourne on down the coast...you face the possibility of being confronted by the law. Whether or not they just give you a warning will depend on their attitude and yours. If you don't have the permit...don't go in the water.......

 

[GatorBoy]

Just want to point out that metal detecting in the water... in general is not illegal.
If not in an area of a lease you can hunt the water for recent drops all you want.
I imagine Florida antiquity laws will apply.
That brings me to a question.... what happens to the 50 yr. Law on a shipwreck beach?
It seems that it just vanishes.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Just want to point out that metal detecting in the water... in general is not illegal.
If not in an area of a lease you can hunt the water for recent drops all you want.
I imagine Florida antiquity laws will apply.
That brings me to a question.... what happens to the 50 yr. Law on a shipwreck beach?
It seems that it just vanishes.

Yes I hunt the surf here in Hollywood/Miami Beach. Completely legal.

I also hunt shipwreck beaches on the Treasure Coast when I can. Completely legal. It appears you cannot keep anything over 50 years old. I think this may be what Tom was trying to say. Chances are you will not get arrested on a shipwreck beach if you lost your wedding ring.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

But if you have ANY examples of someone getting a ticket that was a felony, I'd love to hear it.

Here are some felony charges for you as an example. He also lost his job immediately. Need Some Help -- Time to Fight! :: WWATS - World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers :: We Can And Will Make A Difference

...two weeks later I was arrested at work and fired on the spot, issued a search warrent on my house to which they took my computer, kayak, every artifact book I had and my entire collection of artifacts that took me 15 years to acquire as well as my bottle collection. The 'teacher" was an under cover agent of the DEP and was wired at the show as well as at my house. Getting me on tape telling her what beach the arrowhead was found on. I have 5 misdemeanor charges as well as 5 felony charges against me right now including the felony charge of trafficking stolen state property for the arrowhead i GAVE her.

Heres more on the law. Florida Public Archaeology Network - Frequently Asked Questions