Palm Beach County, FL Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 21-44
- Hours
- Set and posted per park
- Closed-park penalty
- Up to $500/day fine
- Jail exposure
- Up to 60 days
- Applies to
- County parks, not city parks
Summary
County parks stay open every day of the year, but each park's opening and closing times are set and posted by the Parks Director, and anyone found inside after closing can be cited.
Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies and twenty-four-hour boat launching, fishing and camping areas, all parks shall be open to the public every day of the year during hours designated by the Director. The opening and closing hours shall be posted at each park in order to give notice to the public.(b)The Director, acting as agent of the Board of County Commissioners, may declare any section or part of any park closed to the public at any time and for any interval of time, either temporary or at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise) and either entirely or merely for certain uses.(c)No unauthorized person shall be or remain within park property during those hours when the park is closed.(d)No person shall enter upon park property which is under construction, in a state of disrepair, or withheld from general public usage in the interest of public safety, health and/or welfare. (Ord. No. 04-022, § 29, 8-17-04)
Full Breakdown
Sec. 21-44 of the county code keeps parks open every day except for emergencies and designated 24-hour boat launch, fishing and camping areas, but the actual opening and closing hours for each park are set by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department and posted on-site. Once a park closes for the night, unauthorized persons are barred from park property, and county sheriff's deputies and park staff can order violators to leave; refusing to leave is a separate offense under Sec. 21-45. This applies to county-run parks and natural areas in unincorporated and incorporated Palm Beach County alike, not to city-run parks in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton or Delray Beach, which set their own hours.
Violations & Fines
Being on county park property after posted closing hours, or refusing a lawful order to leave, is punishable under Sec. 21-46 by a fine up to $500 per day or up to 60 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Palm Beach County parks close?
Can I be arrested for staying in a county park after closing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida curfew laws overview
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