Palm Beach County, FL Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Palm Beach County Code § 21-35(c)
- Where it applies
- County park property, any municipality
- Max fine
- $500 per violation per day
- Max jail
- 60 days
- Park hours
- Closed sunset to sunrise
Summary
Palm Beach County bans loitering in park restrooms, dressing rooms, picnic shelters, and wooded areas countywide under Sec. 21-35, with violators facing citation, ejection, and fines up to $500 a day.
To the extent permitted by law, no person shall loiter in or around any park areas including, but not limited to, restrooms, dressing rooms or bathhouses, picnic shelters/areas, wooded or natural/undeveloped areas.(d)No adult eighteen (18) years or older shall enter or remain in a designated children's play area, unless the adult is supervising and/or accompanying children who are utilizing the designated children's play area.(e)No person shall conduct an activity within a county park that is prohibited, restricted, or regulated by posted signage. (Ord. No. 04-022, § 20, 8-17-04; Ord. No. 2019-001, § 13, 1-15-19; Ord. No. 2022-016, § 7, 7-12-22)
Full Breakdown
Palm Beach County Code § 21-35(c) makes it unlawful, to the extent permitted by law, to loiter in or around any park property: expressly including restrooms, dressing rooms, bathhouses, picnic shelters, and wooded or undeveloped areas. The rule applies wherever the Parks and Recreation Department operates a park, inside or outside a municipality, not just unincorporated land; cities such as West Palm Beach and Boca Raton set separate rules for the parks they run themselves. Parks also close between sunset and sunrise under § 21-35(b). Sheriff's deputies and department staff can order a loiterer to leave; refusing to go is a separate violation under § 21-45.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 21-35 is a county ordinance violation under § 21-46: a fine up to $500 per violation per day, or up to 60 days in jail, or both. Deputies can also eject violators and revoke any park permit or pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county loitering rule apply inside city limits?
Where exactly is loitering banned?
What happens if I refuse to leave when told?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida public conduct overview
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