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Lake County, FL Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Park hours
Dawn until dusk
After hours
Unauthorized presence unlawful
Closures
Director may close any area
Night use
By permit only
Governing code
Lake County Code Sec. 16-3

Summary

Lake County parks are open from dawn until dusk unless the parks director sets different hours. Being in a county park at any other time is unlawful. The director may close any park area at any time, and special night use requires a permit.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lake County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Parks that have been dedicated to or set aside for the county or established by the county by any lawful means, may be utilized by any person shall be open from dawn until dusk unless otherwise established by the director or designee. The unauthorized presence of any person in the parks at times other than those set herein unless otherwise established by the director or designee as open times shall be unlawful and punished as provided in section 1-6.(b)Any section or part of any park area may be declared closed to the public by the director or designee at any time and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise) and either entirely or merely to certain uses.(c)The Director or designee shall have the authority to designate areas in parks and Park property for specific activities, and to prohibit other activities within the designated area. The Director or designee have the authority to post designated areas when, in his/her discretion, such posting is appropriate.(d)Permit for special night (or other off-hours) use of any park or recreation area may be granted to any group or persons if the proper application and permit criteria have been met and authorized by the director or his designee. (Ord. No. 2001-138, § 2, 11-6-01; Ord. No. 2019-54, § 2, 10-8-19)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 150).

Full Breakdown

Lake County Code Sec. 16-3 (Park operating hours) provides that county parks are open from dawn until dusk unless otherwise established by the director or designee, and that unauthorized presence in the parks outside those hours is unlawful and punished under Sec. 1-6. The director may declare any section of a park closed to the public at any time, temporarily or on a schedule, and may designate areas for specific activities. A permit for special night or off-hours use may be granted with the proper application and fee. Separate 'public lands' hours (Sec. 16-66) govern county conservation lands. Individual parks (Lake Dalhousie boat ramp, Sylvan Shores, Lake Joanna) have their own posted rules: check on-site signage.

Violations & Fines

A person found violating park rules may be asked to leave, issued a trespass warning, or punished under Sec. 1-6 (up to a $500 fine or 60 days jail). Each day of violation is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Lake County parks close?
County parks are open from dawn until dusk unless the parks director sets different hours. Being in a park outside those hours is unlawful under Sec. 16-3.
Can I use a county park at night?
Only with a special-use permit. The director may grant a permit for night or other off-hours use with a proper application and fee; otherwise after-dark presence is prohibited.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lake County

All Lake County rules

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