Updated for the 204-2025 season!
As a long-time resident of the Emerald Coast, I’ve had my fair share of beach days with friends, family, and yes—even my furry companions.
When it comes to Rosemary Beach, located along the scenic 30A stretch, there’s something magical about the white sands, turquoise waters, and charming walkways that weave through this small coastal town. But as much as I love including my dog in my coastal adventures, there are some local rules to keep in mind for pet owners.
Are Dogs Allowed on Rosemary Beach?
Can You Bring Your Dog to Rosemary Beach?
Fast Facts: In Walton County, pets are not allowed on the beach without a specific permit. These permits are exclusively available to Walton County residents and property owners, meaning visitors cannot obtain them. This policy helps maintain the pristine condition of our beaches and ensures safety for all beachgoers.
How to Obtain a Dog Beach Permit
For residents and property owners in Walton County, obtaining a dog beach permit involves the following steps:
- Eligibility: You must be a Walton County real property owner or permanent resident.
- Application: Complete the Annual Dog Beach License Application.
- Required Documents:
- Proof of current rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian.
- Proof of Walton County residency or real property ownership (e.g., Florida driver’s license with a Walton County address, Walton County voter registration card, or property records).
- Fees: The permit fee is $40.00 per year per animal. All permits expire on August 1st, regardless of the purchase date.
- Submission: Submit the completed application and required documents to Walton County Code Compliance at 46 Coastal Centre Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. For more information, contact them at 850-622-0000 or email beachpermits@co.walton.fl.us.
Permitted dogs are allowed on county beaches between 3:30 PM and 8:30 AM, year-round. It’s important to note that dogs must be on a leash during these times.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives in Rosemary Beach
While the beach itself may be off-limits without a permit, Rosemary Beach offers several pet-friendly amenities:
- Walkways and Green Spaces: The town’s cobblestone streets and pedestrian-friendly paths are perfect for leisurely strolls with your dog.
- Dining: Many local restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating welcome pets, allowing you to enjoy a meal alongside your furry friend.
- Accommodations: Several rental properties in Rosemary Beach are pet-friendly. For instance, the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company allows pets in select rentals with a non-refundable $250 deposit per pet (up to a maximum of three pets).
Alternative Dog-Friendly Beaches
If you’re keen on a beach day with your dog, consider visiting nearby dog-friendly beaches:
- Dog Beach at Pier Park in Panama City Beach: Approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Rosemary Beach, this area allows dogs to enjoy the sand and surf without the need for a permit.
Local Etiquette and Pet Tips
When exploring Rosemary Beach with your pet:
- Leash Up: Always keep your dog on a leash.
- Clean Up: Carry waste bags and promptly clean up after your pet.
- Be Considerate: Ensure your dog is well-behaved in public spaces to maintain the area’s welcoming atmosphere.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can enjoy the charm of Rosemary Beach with your pet while respecting local regulations and preserving the community’s pristine environment.
Where are Dogs Allowed on 30A?
While you may be disappointed to learn that your dog can’t go to the beach with you, that’s not to say you can’t take your dog along with you on vacation.
There are plenty of pet-friendly accommodations in Rosemary Beach and the surrounding area.
This would make you hang out with your dog, and family while you grill out, watch television, read and relax.
When it’s time to go to the beach, you can crate your dog for a few hours.
Then come back and take them with you to get a bite to eat or explore one of the beachside amenities that welcome leashed dogs.
This is a common daily schedule for a lot of beach visitors who choose to take pets since the middle of the day is often too hot for most pets.
They’d probably prefer to be indoors napping during these times, anyway.
Types of Establishments that Allow Pets
When you and your dog hit the town in Rosemary Beach, there are plenty of places you’ll be welcome. Here are a few of them:
Vets and Groomers
Of course, your dog can go inside these places.
We merely mention them because there are several reputable vets and dog grooming services in the area, should you need them while on vacation.
Dog parks and non-beach hiking trails
Some local points of interest include Point Washington State Forest, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, and Alaqua Unleashed Dog Park in Santa Rosa just 25 minutes away.
The outdoor activities closest to Rosemary Beach include the following:
- Camp Helen State Park
- Alys Beach Nature Trail
- Timpoochee Trail
- Public access to Point Washington State Forest
Pet-friendly stores
If you’d like to buy your dog a new toy, treat, or accessory while in Rosemary Beach, there are several places you can go:
- Pet Supplies Plus
- Huck and Harlowe
- CK Feed ; Supply
- Several others
Your pet is also welcome to visit the 30A Farmers’ Market and Pier Park, both in nearby Panama City.
Leashes are required, and each store may have different rules about whether pets are allowed inside.
30A Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Pets are allowed in several Rosemary Beach restaurants, mostly for patio dining. Many of these restaurants put out water bowls for dogs as a courtesy. A few of them include:
- Paradis
- Cowgirl Kitchen
- Wild Olives
- Amavida Coffee
Our lists are not comprehensive, but rather a starting point for people wishing to take their dogs to Rosemary Beach.
Feel free to do your own research, and ask the locals about the best places to visit with pets!
The Takeaway
If you were hoping to find the answer to, “Are dogs allowed on Rosemary Beach?” we have answered that question, but probably not with the answer you were hoping for.
Dogs are allowed on Rosemary Beach, but not just anyone can bring their pet for a day of sun and sand.
This privilege is reserved for residents of the area. It is illegal to share dog permits.
So, even if you know someone local who’d be willing to share for a few days, it could get you and them in trouble.
Borrowing someone else’s dog tag could result in a huge fine, and the permit may even be revoked. In the meantime, you’d be asked to leave the beach with your pet.
So unless you live in the Rosemary Beach vicinity, you will have to be content visiting other pet-friendly venues (besides the beach) when you and your dog vacation there.