Intent
It is the Parks and Recreation Department's goal to provide citizens with a safe environment in which recreational opportunity can be maximized. Due to the wide variety of patron needs and use of City property, it is necessary to establish the following rules and regulations.
1.0 HOURS OF OPERATION
1.1 Parks and recreation facilities will be open as posted on buildings or entrance areas.
1.2 No person shall remain in any park or facility after the park or facility is closed, except in an area specifically designated by the City as an area where persons may remain after the park or facility is closed to the public.
1.3 Any section or part of any park or facility may be declared closed to the public at any time or limited to certain users or times as public interest demands or safety and security indicates.
2.0 PARK PROPERTY
2.1 Buildings and Other Property. All park property, facilities and equipment shall be used for the purpose for which it was designed.
2.2 Social Services. Parks shall be used for recreation and relaxation, ornament, light and air for the general public. Parks shall not be used for business or social service purposes unless authorized pursuant to a written agreement with City.
As used herein, social services shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of food, clothing, shelter or medical care to persons in order to meet their physical needs.
2.3 Trees, Shrubbery, Lawns, etc. No person shall cut, carve or injure the bark or break off the limbs or branches, or mutilate in any way or pick the flowers or seeds of any tree or plant existing on City property. Nor shall any person dig in or otherwise disturb grass areas or in any other way injure or impair the natural beauty or usefulness of any area. Removal of any plant material from City property, City parks or park facilities, without the Parks and Recreation Department's prior approval, is strictly prohibited.
2.4 Wild Animals, Birds, Fish, etc. No person shall molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, hunt, chase, capture, shoot or throw any object which may harm any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian. Fishing is permitted in designated areas as long as it is in accordance with state law provisions and regulations.
3.0 FIREWORKS
3.1 No person shall discharge any fireworks in any City Park unless done as part of a special event authorized by the City. Fireworks shall mean any combustible or explosive composition or substance or combination of substance or any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including sparklers.
4.0 NUISANCES
4.1 Pets. No person shall bring into, permit, have, or keep in any park or City facility any dog, cat, pet of any kind or other animal.
Exceptions:
(a) Service animals
(b) Dogs on Riverwalk, subject to the following requirements:
(1) Dogs shall be on a leash, maximum of six feet in length, at all times.
(2) Owner must be responsible for their pet. Aggressive dogs may be removed at the City's discretion.
(3) A person bringing a dog upon the Riverwalk shall be responsible for disposing of all fecal matter deposited by their dog.
(4) Dogs shall not create a nuisance by causing any form of disturbance such as excessive barking or any similar conduct.
(c) Dogs on the Beach, subject to the following requirements:
(1) Dogs shall be on a leash, maximum of six feet in length, at all times.
(2) Owner must be responsible for their pet. Aggressive dogs may be removed at the City's discretion.
(3) A person bringing a dog upon the Beach shall be responsible for disposing of all fecal matter deposited by their dog.
(4) Dogs shall not create a nuisance by causing any form of disturbance such as excessive barking or any similar conduct.
(5) Dogs are only permitted in a 100-yard section of Fort Lauderdale Beach. This section is located from the center Line of Sunrise Boulevard at A1A north to Lifeguard Stand No. 5. This section is posted as a Canine Beach.
(6) On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, dogs are permitted on the designated area of the beach (Canine Beach) between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during daylight Savings Time (DST) and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time (EST) only.
(7) Each dog's owner must obtain a Canine Beach Permit from the Parks and Recreation Department, 1350 West Broward Boulevard, and such Permit shall be carried upon the person at all times when utilizing Canine Beach.
(d) Dogs in S.P. Snyder Park, subject to the following requirements:
(1) Areas of S.P. Snyder Park located in the southeast of said park shall be designated and posted by the City as permitting dogs unleashed within the confines of such areas.
(2) Each dog owner or handler shall keep his or her dog(s) on a leash, maximum of six feet in length, from the parking lot until inside posted area.
(3) Each dog owner or handler shall be responsible for disposing of all fecal matter deposited by his or her dog(s) within the posted area.
4.2 Trash Disposal. Park patrons are responsible at all times for proper disposal of their trash. Any trash generated outside park and recreation facilities may not be disposed of inside the park.
4.3 Soliciting and Vending. No person shall expose or offer for sale any article or thing nor shall he station or place any stand, cart or vehicle for the transportation, sale or display of any such article or merchandise within the limits or adjacent roadways of any park. Exception is made to regularly licensed concessionaires acting by and under the authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Any publicity, posted signs or announcement placed in or on park property must have the prior approval of the Parks and Recreation Department.
4.4 Interference with Authorized Activities. No person or group shall interfere with any recreational activities or event authorized by the City's Parks and Recreation Department.
4.5 Loud Noise. No person or group shall play or operate any sound amplification device including radios, television sets, turn tables, tape decks, public address systems, amplified musical instruments or any other loud noise generating device which disturbs other persons.
4.6 Sleeping. Sleeping or reclining in a horizontal position is specifically prohibited in the following: building, pavilion, rest room, trash receptacle, bench, picnic table, as well as recreational activity areas (such as athletic courts and fields, dug outs, and playgrounds), pedestrian or vehicular traffic ways (such as roads, sidewalks, bike paths, and jogging paths), and landscaped areas (such as flower gardens, hedges, and planters).
4.7 Intoxicants. Consumption, possession or sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited within City parks except during and within the specified area of a Special Event authorized by the City or premises licensed for sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
4.8 Disorderly Intoxication. No person shall be intoxicated in a City park or upon a City beach and endanger the safety of another person or property, and no person shall be intoxicated or drink any alcoholic beverage in a City park or upon a City beach and cause a public disturbance.
4.9 Personal Property. Personal property shall not be stored in any park or facility except in a facility or area specifically designated by the City for such storage.
5.0 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
5.1 Existing Laws. All vehicle and traffic control laws and regulations shall be complied with in City Parks and Recreation facilities.
5.2 Parking. All motor vehicles shall be parked only in established and indicated parking areas or in such other areas and at such times as the Parks and Recreation Department officials may designate. Parking on the roadways and driveways is prohibited. No person shall park or station any vehicle in any zone designated and marked "No Parking" or otherwise marked for restricted use except briefly for emergency purposes. Parking on turf is prohibited except in designated areas.
5.3 Directions of Traffic. No person shall fail to comply with any order, signal or direction given or posted by any police officer or park ranger for the direction of traffic.
5.4 Bicycles. All bicyclists shall comply with state and municipal laws and regulations pertaining to bicycles.
5.5 Skates. Skates, skateboards, roller skates, incline skates and similar equipment may be restricted to certain times and locations by Parks and Recreation officials for safety reasons.
5.6 Boats. All boat operators shall comply with all existing state laws, municipal ordinances, and Coast Guard regulations. All boats are to be launched and docked in designated areas only.
5.7 Mopeds and ATVs. No motorized vehicle, including mopeds and ATVs, is allowed to be operated off any road or upon any designated bike path within the interior of parks.
5.8 Unauthorized Vehicles. Mini bikes, go-carts and other non-licensed motorized vehicles are prohibited in parks.
5.9 Vehicle Maintenance. Motor vehicle maintenance is prohibited in parks, except repairs or maintenance of an emergency nature.
6.0 PICNICKING
6.1 Designated Areas and Uses. All visitors shall comply with the directions of park officials pertaining to proper locations for picnicking in order to safeguard park property and to ensure the maximum use for the comfort and convenience of all.
6.2 Use of picnic tables for other than picnic purposes is prohibited. Proper use of tables for picnicking is on a first come, first serve basis. Holding tables for patrons who have not arrived is prohibited.
6.3 Pavilions. Pavilions are available for exclusive use by permit only. Individuals and groups using pavilions shall comply with written pavilion regulations.
6.4 Fires
6.4(a) Ground Fires - Ground fires are prohibited in all park areas.
6.4(b) Safety - Visitors are responsible for insuring that their grill is properly monitored and extinguished at the end of their outing.
7.0 BEACH REGULATIONS
7.1 Swimming at public beach areas is prohibited under the following conditions:
7.1(a) If the beach is closed due to lightning or other dangerous conditions.
7.1(b) If swimmers are wearing long pants or shoes.
7.1(c) Beyond 50 yards from shore.
7.1(d) If children are not properly supervised by adults (proper supervision is one adult minimum per ten children).
7.2 Skin and scuba diving shall be permitted from the Fort Lauderdale Beach under the following regulations:
7.2(a) All divers must be accompanied by at least one other diver.
7.2(b) Each diver is equipped with a buoyancy compensator.
7.2(c) Divers must have an approved diver's down flag displayed in accordance with Statutes of the State of Florida.
7.2(d) Scuba divers must remain a minimum of 100 yards offshore, except when entering or leaving the water.
7.2(e) Divers using mask, snorkel, and fins within 50 yards are permitted and are considered bathers. If skin divers desire to go beyond 50 yards, then all other requirements of Rule 7.2 applicable to scuba divers must be met.
7.2(f) The use or possession of spear guns or similar weapons is prohibited on the beach. Such weapons must be transported a minimum distance of 150 yards offshore. During such transportation, weapons must be handled safely in an unarmed condition.
7.2(g) Scuba instruction by private enterprise is prohibited.
7.3 Use of boats and watercraft are subject to the following regulations:
7.3(a) Motorized and non-motorized watercraft must remain a minimum of 200 yards offshore, unless being launched or returned to a designated boat launching area of the beach.
7.3(b) Motorized and non-motorized watercraft are allowed to launch or return pursuant to the conditions of City Ordinance No. C-93-26.
7.3(c) The launching area and channel are for launching and returning watercraft only. Watercraft may not anchor or interfere with the use of the channel area.
7.3(d) No watercraft may be kept on the beach overnight, except those properly registered with the City to stay in designated areas.
7.4 The following beach regulations are intended to reduce safety hazards which may cause injury to beach patrons:
7.4(a) Playing ball, Frisbee, flying kites, or any other game that may endanger patrons on the beach or in the water, is limited to designated times and areas as posted or as determined by City officials.
7.4(b) Fishing or netting of fish is limited to the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. when on the beach and must be conducted in a safe manner. All debris, bait, fish line and hooks, and other fishing equipment or tackle must be removed from the beach after fishing has been conducted.
7.4(c) Dogs and pets are prohibited on the sandy portion of the beach, except for service animals and the area that is designated as Canine Beach (see 4.1 c).
7.4(d) Surfing is allowed in designated surfing area only.
7.4(e) Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the beach.
7.4(f) Glass bottles and glass containers are prohibited on the beach.
7.4(g) Digging holes or erecting tents, canopies and fencing is prohibited.
7.4(h) Unauthorized use of lifeguard towers is prohibited.
7.4(i) Anyone requested to do so must move out of the way of Police, Beach Patrol, Park Ranger, or other Government Service vehicles.
7.4(j) No person shall interfere with Police, Lifeguards or Park Rangers or Park Personnel in the performance of their lawful duties.
7.4(k) Directives given by the lifeguards must be adhered to.
7.5 The following regulations are intended to eliminate nuisance activity on the beach and provide patrons with a pleasant environment in which to recreate:
7.5(a) Loud Noise. No person or group shall play or operate any sound amplification device including radios, television sets, turn tables, tape decks, public address systems, amplified musical instruments or any other loud noise generation device which disturbs other persons.
7.5(b) All commercial photography and filming is prohibited unless prior written permission has been obtained from the City Manager's Office.
7.5(c) Soliciting, begging or panhandling is prohibited.
7.5(d) Removing trash and debris from waste receptacles requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department. Such a permit shall be issued under specific criteria determined by that Department.
7.5(e) Use of picnic tables for other than picnic purposes is prohibited. Proper use of tables for picnicking is on a first come, first serve basis. Holding tables for patrons who have not arrived is prohibited.
7.5(f) Drying clothes by hanging them on trees, bushes, tables or in or around rest rooms is prohibited.
7.5(g) Attaching hammocks to trees, showers or structures is prohibited.
7.5(h) Beach sea oat and dune plantings are protected, and no person shall cut, damage, or remove such plants from the beach.
7.5(i) No person shall discharge any fireworks on any portion of the City Beach unless done as part of a special event authorized by the City. Fireworks shall mean any combustible or explosive composition or substance or combination of substance or any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including sparklers.
8.0 COLLECTION FEES
It is prohibited for any person to use any facility, land or area for which a fee or charge has been established by the City of Fort Lauderdale without payment of such fee or charge.
9.0 GENERAL LAWS - ADDITIONAL OPERATING PROCEDURES
9.1 Federal, State, County and Municipal Laws. All federal, state, county and municipal laws are hereby adopted and are to be enforced within all City of Fort Lauderdale parks, beaches and recreational facilities.
9.2 Compliance with Additional Posted Rules. Specific facilities which require additional operational procedures for orderly use shall be posted with rules in a conspicuous place. Patrons utilizing all facilities shall comply with posted regulations.
10.0 PERMITS
10.1 Reservation of any parks and recreation facility or area for exclusive use requires written approval of the Parks and Recreation Department in the form of a permit. Contact (954) 828-PARK, for additional information.
11.0 ENFORCEMENT
11.1 Intent. It is the intent of the Parks and Recreation Department that these regulations be enforced in a fair and equitable manner.
11.2 Hindering Enforcement. No person shall impersonate in any way a park official nor hinder park officials or personnel in the performance of their lawful duties.
11.3 Trespass. Any person or group found in violation of the above rules and regulations shall be ordered to leave all City of Fort Lauderdale parks, beaches and recreation facilities for a minimum 24-hour period. Any person who fails to leave all facilities, parks or beach at the time requested may be arrested and prosecuted for trespassing or prosecuted under other existing ordinances.
11.4 Any person determined by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to be a violator of the Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations may be ordered by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department to remain out of City parks and beach areas for a period of time, not to exceed six (6) months. Upon being ordered to remain out of a City park or beach area, violators shall be entitled to an administrative hearing before the City Manager or designee, in order to appeal the Parks and Recreation Director's decision.
The person appealing the Director's decision may present evidence to the City Manager or designee. The request for such hearing must be in writing and directed to the City Manager. This request must be made within three (3) days of the order being appealed.
12.0 REGULATION EXCEPTIONS
12.1 All government activities carried out in the ordinary course of park and beach operations shall be exempt from the provisions of the Parks and Recreation Department Rules and Regulations. Acts or conducts prohibited by the rules shall be permitted when approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation and occurring in conjunction with City sponsored, co-sponsored, or City approved special events. |
