Beach wedding permits can vary by county, city, park, guest count, and setup details such as chairs, arches, décor, amplified sound, and vendor access. Vows By The Sea helps couples navigate permit requirements for popular Florida beaches before finalizing timeline and setup.

Pinellas County

City-by-city, with posted fees. Clearwater, Sand Key, Belleair, Indian Rocks, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, North Redington, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach and Fort De Soto — who to call, what it costs and what triggers a permit.

View Pinellas guide

Manatee County & Anna Maria Island

Four authorities on one island. County beaches always need a permit; Holmes Beach charges $75, Bradenton Beach $100 for 20–50 guests, and the City of Anna Maria starts at 15 attendees. Lead times and restrictions included.

View Manatee guide

Sarasota County & City of Sarasota

County parks vs city special events. Siesta Key and Turtle Beach go through county Parks; Lido and city land go through the Office of Special Events. Neither publishes a flat wedding fee — here is who to ask.

View Sarasota guide

Permits are not included in our packages. A beach permit is issued by the city or county and paid directly to them. What we do is tell you which office applies to your chosen beach, what they ask for, and how their timing fits your ceremony window.

Verify before you book vendors. Rules, fees and lead times change seasonally and by jurisdiction. Each guide shows the date it was last checked against the official pages, and says “call to confirm” wherever an authority does not publish a figure — we would rather send you to the source than repeat a number we cannot stand behind.