Delray Beach's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Delray Beach, Florida, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Juvenile Curfew

Palm Beach County Ordinance 94-16 establishes a countywide juvenile curfew that applies in Delray Beach. Minors under 17 are prohibited from public places from 11 PM to 5 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 5 AM Friday and Saturday, with limited exceptions.

Key details: Code: PBC Ord 94-16. Sun-Thu: 11 PM to 5 AM. Fri-Sat: 12 AM to 5 AM. Age: Under 17. Parent Fine: Up to 500.

First offense typically results in a warning and parent notification. Subsequent violations are noncriminal infractions with fines up to 500 dollars on the parent or guardian.

Park Curfew

Delray Beach parks and public beaches are closed from sunset to sunrise except where posted otherwise. The municipal beach closes at 9 PM in winter and 10 PM in summer. After-hours presence is trespassing under City Code.

Key details: Parks: Dawn to dusk. Beach Winter: Closes 9 PM. Beach Summer: Closes 10 PM. Lifeguards: 9 AM to 5 PM. Dogs: Prohibited on beach.

After-hours park presence is trespassing, a second-degree misdemeanor with fines up to 500 dollars. Most first offenses receive verbal warnings or trespass notices banning return for a set period.

The Bottom Line

Delray Beach's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Delray Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Delray Beach can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.