Beach Use Permits – Horseback Riding
Announcements
Beach Riding Updates – Please read the following updates for horseback riding on St. Johns County beaches:
- Mickler’s Landing – Suspended – Due to erosion from recent storms.
- Exxon Beach Access – Open – Beach access is managed by the GTMNERR is open and available for riding. All St. Johns County rules and regulations for riding on the beach will apply. Please contact GTMNERR for parking and access information: 904-823-4500.
- Surfside Beach Access – Suspended – Due to challenges of parking lot and beach management activities.
- South Beaches – Open – Frank Butler Park East; 5860 A1A S. Beach entrance by way of Mary Street Ramp. Closes for Designated Spring Break Season Saturday, March 11th – last day to ride, Friday, March 10th.
Horseback Riding on County Beaches
St. Johns County offers horseback riding on approximately 30 miles of our 41.1 miles of coastline. The County is responsible for implementing and abiding by a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Incidental Take Permit (ITP) through the US Fish and Wildlife Service. A special permit (follow steps below) is required to ride horses on St. Johns County beaches. Permits are free of charge.
Getting Your Permit
6 Steps to Your Beach Horseback Riding Permit | |
1. Watch | Watch the Protected Species Training slideshow. |
2. Quiz | Complete Quiz. Please save quiz to your pc or mobile device to complete. |
3. Choose | Choose your permit level. See Permit Levels. |
4. Complete | Complete and sign application. Please save application to your pc or mobile device to complete. |
5. Submit | Email joneill@sjcfl.us, Fax (904) 209-0620, drop off, or mail completed quiz, application, and any required credentials:
On Mobile Devices, you may screenshot your quiz results and text to joneill@sjcfl.us. |
6. Receive Permit | It may take up to two weeks to process your permit. Please review Planning your Ride. |
Need Technical Assistance? | Acrobat Reader is required to view and/or complete the application on your computer. |
Click for Protected Species Training |
Horseback Riding Permit Levels
Master Beach Equestrian Guide
- An individual with extensive riding experience on St. Johns County beaches and intends to ride regularly and frequently.
- Must complete Protected Species Training. Must provide no less than three letters of written recommendations from Master Equestrian Beach Guides, or written recommendations by the St. Johns County Horse Council, proof of membership to local riding club (if any), and/or some other proof of extensive riding experience on St. Johns County beaches.
- Allows permit holder to lead up to 10 individuals by horseback; permit is valid through 2027.
General Beach Equestrian Guide – Class I
- An individual intending to ride on St. Johns County beaches regularly and frequently but experience does not warrant a Master Beach Equestrian Guide Permit.
- Must complete Protected Species Training and sign completed application
- Allows permit holder to lead up to 10 individuals by horseback; permit is valid through 2027.
General Beach Equestrian Day Pass – Class II
- An individual desiring a one-time or infrequent horseback ride on the beach.
- May obtain necessary education and credentials from a Master Beach Equestrian Guide or through online training.
Planning Your Ride
North Beaches
Mickler’s Landing Access – Suspended – Due to ongoing erosion from recent storms.
Exxon Beach Access – Open – Beach access is managed by the GTMNERR is open and available for riding. All St. Johns County rules and regulations for riding on the beach will apply. Parking is available in the fishing dam parking area, if parking is full spots are also available at visitor center. Please contact GTMNERR for more parking and access information: 904-823-4500.
Surfside Park Access – Suspended – Due to challenges of parking lot and beach management activities.
South Beaches
Frank Butler Park East 5860 A1A S. – Open – Beach entrance by way of Mary Street Ramp. Closes for Designated Spring Break Season Saturday, March 11th – last day to ride, Friday, March 10th.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cost. Permits are free of charge.
- Clean Up. Please be considerate by treating the beaches, accesses and parking lots the same way you would your own barn.
- Want to know where to ride? Get our Map of beach access points and riding beaches.
- Tides. Please begin your ride 1-2 hours prior to a low tide event and conduct your horses below the most recent high tide line. Tide Predictions Page
- For more information about horseback riding in St. Johns County, please visit the St. Johns County Horse Council website.
More Information
For more information, please contact: Jade O'Neill, (904) 209-0619.