We have deeded access to the beach. (See image below) It is important to NOT cross onto private property or get off the paths. You could be subject to being fined $100 by the HOA if someone turns you in. The owner of the big yellow house has cameras. He has turned people in for walking on his driveway. While that may sound over the top, understand that he lives in the home full-time.
There are two beach access routes to boardwalks. The south access is a little further from our house but we usually use it because it is a nice bricked drive to the boardwalk and the steps are not very steep. It is between the blue and green house.
The north beach access is closer to our house, but it is not bricked. It goes between the big yellow house and the white house to its right. The steps on the boardwalk are much steeper.
Other Community Rules of note:
Do not leave any thing on the paths or the boardwalks.
Music and loud noises should cease by 10:00 p.m.
All pool rules should be followed.
Trash cans should be moved back to the house on the day of trash pickup.
Any exterior lighting on a homeowner’s property shall be turned off by 12 midnight and may not be left on overnight (This is for the benefit of nesting sea turtles.). The light beside the front door is motion activated, so leave it in the on position. It turns on only on motion.
Shark fishing in the neighborhood is not permitted and may result in a $100 fine. The HOA does not want to draw sharks to the beach where our kids are playing. I know that you cannot specify what species bites your bait. But I would recommend against specifically fishing for sharks.
LEAVE NO TRACE ADVISORY
In order to protect our shoreline, provide a healthy habitat for nesting sea turtles, preserve our pristine environment and assure all residents and visitors can enjoy our wonderful beaches, Gulf County has enacted a LEAVE NO TRACE ordinance that regulates the following:
All unattended personal items (chairs, tents, toys, kayaks, etc.) must be removed daily from the beach no later than 1 hour after published time of sunset and can be placed back on beach after sunrise the following day. ITEMS LEFT ON THE BEACH WILL BE CONSIDERED ABANDONED AND SUBJECT TO REMOVAL BY COUNTY STAFF. ONCE REMOVED FROM THE BEACH, ITEMS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
All holes created must be filled in prior to leaving the beach each day.
Overnight camping must not be within 400 feet of any waterfront residence.
Glass bottles, containers, etc. are prohibited on Gulf County beaches.
Bonfires are permissible, but must not be within 100 feet of any structure, and all remnants must be extinguished and removed from the beach that same day. All items other than natural wood are prohibited from burning (i.e.- pallets, wood with screws or nails, pressure-treated wood, etc.)
All trash must be removed from the beach.
Soliciting and canvassing on the beach is prohibited other than County Administration and Law Enforcement officials.
It is unlawful to remove sand from Gulf County beaches.
Per Gulf County Ordinance 2008-20, pets must be on leashes at all times.