Martin County, FL Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Camping ban
- No sleeping/camping outside designated sites
- Shelters
- Tents/shacks banned overnight outside campgrounds
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 60 days
- Alternative enforcement
- Removal from property; trespass if refused
- Legal camping
- Permit required in designated campground
Summary
Martin County prohibits sleeping or camping overnight anywhere in a County park that isn't a designated campsite, covering beaches, lawns, fields and wooded areas unless the County issues written permission.
It is unlawful for any person in any County park: ... aa. To sleep or camp overnight in any area of a County park not designated for camping, including beaches, lawns, fields, and wooded areas unless permitted in writing by the County. ... cc. To set up tents, shacks, or any other temporary shelter for the purpose of overnight camping, except in designated camping areas ... without express written authorization by the County.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 17.9.A.2.aa, it's unlawful to sleep or camp overnight in any County park outside a designated camping area -- beaches, lawns, fields and wooded areas are explicitly listed. Sec. 17.9.A.2.cc separately bars setting up tents, shacks or other temporary shelters for overnight camping outside designated sites, and bars leaving movable structures or vehicles in a park after closing that could be used for that purpose. Camping itself is allowed only with a County permit in a designated campground (Sec. 17.9.C.1), where stays, guest counts and hours are separately regulated.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 17.9 is a misdemeanor under F.S. Sec. 125.69 -- up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both -- and violators can also be ordered off the property and cited for trespass if they refuse to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep overnight in a Martin County park?
What happens if I set up a tent outside a campground?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida homelessness & encampment rules overview
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