Palm Coast, FL Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (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.
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?
What happens if I refuse to leave when told?
Who enforces this rule in Palm Coast parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Coast
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Coast to another location·View the Florida public conduct overview
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