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Palm Coast, FL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 7-2
Covered areas
All city parks, playgrounds, rec areas
Permit issuer
City Manager or designee
Max fine
$500.00
Max jail term
60 days, County jail
Violation class
Class I citation

Summary

Palm Coast makes it unlawful to possess or drink alcohol in any city park or recreation area unless the City Manager or a designee has issued a permit for a specific event there. Sec. 7-2 covers every playground, park and recreation area citywide, and officers can order violators to leave before adding a separate charge for refusing.

It [shall be] unlawful for any person to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or beverages, as defined in F.S. § 856.015 or F.S. § 561.01, in any City Park or recreation area unless a permit for such is issued by the City Manager or his designee for a particular event occurring in such City Park or recreation area. ... Violations of this section shall be punishable by imprisonment in the County jail for not more than 60 days and a fine of $500.00.

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 44 | Land Development Code: Supplement 18).

Full Breakdown

015, in or on the premises of any public playground, recreational area or park within city limits. The only lawful exception is a permit the City Manager or a designee issues for a specific event taking place in that park or recreation area; without one, drinking or carrying an open container in these areas is a violation regardless of the person's age. If someone is caught violating the rule, the Recreation and Parks Manager, another designee, or any other person with authority to enforce city ordinances can order that person to leave the premises.

Ignoring that removal order is treated as a second, separate offense on top of the underlying alcohol violation. 07, to deputize individuals specifically to enforce this section in parks. The city can pursue an infraction either as a Class I citation through its code enforcement process or, at its option, as a criminal prosecution instead. An editor's note preserves earlier language from Ord. No. 2007-12 confirming the same restriction applied even before the current codification. 00 fine, among the stiffer alcohol-related penalties in the code, reflecting the city's intent to keep its playgrounds and parks alcohol-free except for permitted, supervised events.

Violations & Fines

Possessing or drinking alcohol in a Palm Coast park, playground or recreation area without an event permit is unlawful under Sec. 7-2(b). Refusing a lawful order from the Recreation and Parks Manager or another enforcing official to leave the premises is a separate violation under subsection (c). Penalties run up to a $500.00 fine and 60 days in the Flagler County jail; the city may process the citation through code enforcement instead of criminal court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol at a Palm Coast park?
No. Sec. 7-2(b) makes it unlawful to possess or consume alcohol in any city park, playground or recreation area unless the City Manager or a designee has issued a permit for a specific event happening there. The rule applies to every city-owned park and recreation area, with no exception for private gatherings without a permit.
What happens if I refuse to leave when told?
Refusing an order to leave from the Recreation and Parks Manager, another City designee, or any officer authorized to enforce Palm Coast ordinances is a separate violation under Sec. 7-2(c), on top of the underlying alcohol charge. Both can result in a citation processed through code enforcement or in criminal prosecution, carrying up to 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.
Who enforces this rule in Palm Coast parks?
Any person with authority to enforce City ordinances can act under Sec. 7-2(d), and the Flagler County Sheriff may also deputize individuals under F.S. § 30.07 specifically to enforce this section within parks and recreation areas, so both city code enforcement staff and sheriff's deputies can issue citations.

Sources & Official References

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