Jacksonville Beach, FL Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

The loitering rule in Jacksonville Beach is a park rule. Section 20-13(c)(17) makes it unlawful for any person to loiter or prowl in or around any parks, park property or park areas including, but not limited to, playgrounds, play equipment, restrooms, picnic shelter areas, parking areas, and wooded or natural undeveloped areas. The sentence that follows says such loitering and prowling behavior shall be interpreted in accordance with F.S. § 856.021, so the city does not set its own definition. The rule applies in the parks named in section 20-13(a), from 12th Avenue South Park and Oceanfront Park to Wingate Park, and it is subject to authorization from the city manager.

Neighboring subsections cover conduct that overlaps with loitering. Subsection (15) bars sleeping or lounging on park benches, seats, tables, or under any covered area or pavilion, and residing or living in the parks on a temporary or permanent basis. Subsection (16) bars storing personal goods or property on park property. Subsection (27) bars disturbing park patrons, including harassing any other person and engaging in loud, boisterous, threatening, abusive, or insulting behavior or disorderly conduct, which is interpreted in accordance with the Florida Statutes.

The rule is backed by the removal power in section 20-4. No person who has violated a park rule shall remain on the beach or in a park or recreational facility after a police officer, sheriff's deputy or city employee acting within the scope of official duties requests them to leave or vacate. Section 20-3 separately bars interference with city personnel enforcing the beach and park rules. On the Atlantic Ocean Beach, section 6-45(i) bars any unauthorized person from loitering upon a lifeguard stand, station or other city lifesaving equipment.