Melbourne, FL Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Open hours
- 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily
- Closed hours
- Sunset to 7:00 a.m.
- Notice required
- Posted sign at each park (Sec. 42-21)
- Extended hours
- Allowed only with council/director/police permit
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 60 days jail (Sec. 1-14)
Summary
Melbourne closes its public parks from sunset until 7:00 a.m. the next day. Being present in a listed city park during closed hours is a code violation unless the parks and recreation director, city council, or police chief has issued a permit extending hours.
Except as otherwise specifically provided by the director, the parks listed in subsection (a) of this section shall be open for public use between the hours of 7:00 a.m. until sunset of the same day and shall be closed to public use from sunset until 7:00 a.m. of the following day. Such closing hours shall not apply to activities being held pursuant to approval or permit granted by city council, the director, or the chief of police when such approval or permit specifies longer hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. the following day. The director may set different hours for a specific park, and the closing hours do not apply to activities operating under an approval or permit from the city council, the director, or the chief of police that specifically authorizes longer hours. Sec. 42-21 requires the director to post a sign in every park that has closing hours, displayed prominently so the public has notice of when that particular park closes; enforcement of the curfew depends on that posted notice.
Sec. 42-22(a)(1) separately makes it unlawful to sleep in a park at any time from sunset to sunrise, and Sec. 42-22(a)(18) bars camping without the director's authorization, both of which reinforce the after-hours closure. Under Sec. 42-20, the director can further close or alter hours for any city park at any time if doing so serves public health, safety or welfare, after posting appropriate signage, and can issue temporary rules for emergency or hazardous conditions that last up to 90 days without city council approval.
Violations & Fines
Presence in a city park after its posted closing hours violates Chapter 42. Under the citywide penalty provision, Sec. 1-14, any violation of the Code is punishable by a fine up to $500.00, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Melbourne city parks close?
Can I stay in a Melbourne park past sunset with a permit?
How would I know a specific park's closing time?
What happens if I'm caught in a Melbourne park after closing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Melbourne
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Melbourne to another location·View the Florida curfew laws overview
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Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brevard County handle park curfew.