Beaches Reopening

Miami-Dade County beaches are open. Points in bold MUST be followed; other recommendations are strongly suggested.

As you prepare to reopen, please use the Beaches General Checklist as a guide. All guidelines are categorized by workforce protection measures, employee protection measures, non-employee (or customer) protection measures, business process adaptations, employer-led public health interventions and industry-wide safeguards.

For the most up to date changes, see the latest Emergency Orders and Amendments.

Send a question or a suggestion about the New Normal Guide to [email protected].

Health Protocols

CDC guidelines must be followed when visiting parks and recreational facilities, including beaches.

  • No groups of more than 10 people will be permitted
  • All beachgoers must wear facial coverings unless in the water
    • Facial coverings are not required for:
      • children under 2 years old, following CDC guidelines
      • persons who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition; persons who are not able to remove face coverings without assistance or on their own or
      • persons involved in strenuous activity; however the person involved in strenuous activity should have a face covering in their possession and must be able to show their mask upon request by local authority
      • while in the ocean
    • Facial coverings must be worn in restrooms
    • Facial coverings must be worn when at concessions
  • Facial coverings that are wet are ineffective (beachgoers should bring an additional clean and dry face covering to replace a face covering that becomes wet or dirty)
  • Social distancing is not required for family members who reside together, up to a maximum of 10 people
  • Beachfront restrooms
    • Dedicated attendants are to be stationed outside restrooms
    • Access to restrooms is limited to maintain six feet of separation between individuals
    • Restrooms must be cleaned and disinfected every two to three hours (per CDC guidelines)
    • Cross ventilation should be maximized for restrooms – keeping doors and windows open if feasible
    • Signage must be posted outside and inside of restrooms emphasizing the requirement of wearing face coverings and the importance of hygiene (flushing with lid closed when possible, handwashing)

Activities on Sand and Shore

Activities on beach sand and beach shore allowed with six feet of social distancing between people of different households:
  • It is suggested that areas on the beach be delineated showing sites for allowable activities (for example, with flags or cones and signs, or ropes with signs) to facilitate requirements for social distancing areas that are dedicated for passive uses (sunbathing, sitting) with enough space established for each group of people who live in the same household (up to 10 people); each of the designated sunbathing/sitting areas should be separated by at least 6 feet
  • Walking (with face covering if social distancing cannot be maintained) and jogging (with
    face covering lowered and with joggers maintaining a social distance of 12 to 15 feet)
    • Established pathways will be made one-way
  • Swimming/surfing (body, kite)/paddle-boarding/kayaking
  • Sunbathing or sitting on individually-owned beach chairs and/or beach towels, where permitted – a minimum of 6 feet apart
  • Eating among members of the same household (up to 10 people)
    • Outdoor showers may be used as long as social distancing is maintained; mark the approach leading to outdoor shower pads to enforce 6 feet social distancing amongst beachgoers waiting to use the showers

Activities Not Permitted

  • No groups greater than 10 persons shall congregate
  • No shared equipment (i.e. beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc.) among people from different households
  • No canopies or tents
  • No organized or group activities and athletics involving groups of two or more (for example, volleyball, football, soccer, frisbee, paddle ball, etc.)
  • No gatherings of people from different households, unless social distancing guidelines are maintained – group size shall not exceed 10 persons at any time
  • Areas of social gathering in beach parks, including bathhouses (changing rooms), picnic pavilions, playgrounds are not to be accessible
  • No special events, including group picnics
  • No use of exercise equipment and playgrounds
  • No fishing on the beach, except at areas specifically designated and while following social distance guidelines

Concessions

Concessions allowed following CDC guidelines, Emergency Orders and social distancing (where concessions are permitted):
  • Concession furnishings / beach chairs / umbrellas/ beach equipment provided by concessionaries and hotels and residential buildings
    • Distancing of at least six feet for patrons not of the same household
    • Towels must be changed and used towels sent for laundering after each guest use
  • Furnishings must be cleaned and disinfected after each guest use according to CDC guidelines using EPA-approved disinfectants
  • Food sales pursuant to New Normal restaurant guidelines (including no self-service)
  • Food truck sales pursuant to New Normal restaurant guidelines
  • Kiteboarding, kayak, paddleboards, sailboats, chair rentals, umbrellas, towel rentals pursuant to CDC recommendations and New Normal parks guidelines (including social distancing and the requirement to clean and disinfect rental equipment between each use)

Public Safety and Enforcement

Enforcement of beach procedures and protocols is a priority and beachgoers can be required to leave the beach if they are violating the requirements
  • New Normal guidelines for "Workforce Protection" apply to staff, including the requirement that staff exhibiting symptoms of illness shall not report to work
  • All staff are required to wear face coverings and PPE (gloves must be changed every one to two hours and hands must be washed between changes of gloves)
  • Police services must be available to respond to enforcement issues
  • Lifeguard services are required in sites they are an already established presence
    • If surf or beach conditions at a beach become too dangerous, it will be closed for water activities
    • Lifeguards are to be provided with PPE and training and safety guidance, as necessary, regarding
      • Rescue and resuscitation of drowning victims
      • Use of appropriate social distancing, personal hygiene and PPE
  • Enforcement is a shared responsibility of the County, coastal municipalities, condominiums, and hotels
  • The County is establishing a pool of enforcement staff ("Beach Ambassadors") that are available by request to supplement coastal municipalities' staff
    • At least two Ambassadors per block is recommended for high use areas and/or during peak periods (i.e., weekends and holidays)
    • After re-opening, Ambassador assignments can be reassessed to reassign the appropriate number of staff based on usage of various beaches
    • Use of Ambassadors can be phased out when there is evidence that beachgoers understand and are abiding by the requirements
  • Beach bicycles and other beach equipment may be used by enforcement staff to maximize the range of their reconnaissance

Mayor's Emergency Orders

View All Emergency Orders

Stay Safe

Social Distancing
Facial Covering

Wash your hands