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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the non-emergency phone number for the Sanibel Police?
239-472-3111

Where do you take injured wildlife?
Clinic for The Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife. (C.R.O.W.) 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road. 239-472-3644.

Where is the Post Office on Sanibel?
650 Tarpon Bay Road. 239-472-1573.

Where are the General Public Beach parking areas?
Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier, Trost Lot for Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass.

Is there a fee for parking in these lots?
Yes, the fee is $2.00 per hour.

Where do you get Parking Permits?

Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Monday through Thursday 6:30 am - 8 pm, Friday 6:30 am - 6:30 pm, Saturday 8 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 - 5 pm.

What is required to purchase a beach parking permit?
One of the following is required:
-Valid Florida Driver’s License showing a Sanibel address.
-Lee County voter registration card showing a Sanibel address.
-Declaration of Domicile showing a Sanibel address.
-Tax bill showing homestead exemption for property on Sanibel.

What type of parking permits are available?

Resident "A" $12.00
Restricted "B" $90.00 non-resident
Restricted "C" $90.00 resident/non-resident
Resident "A/C" $102.00 resident
Resident "B/C" $102.00 non-resident property owner
  $180.00 non-resident

General Parking $2 per hour or any fraction thereof

General Parking Gulfside City Park, Sanibel Boat Ramp $2 per hour or any fraction thereof or C permit only

Are Solicitors permitted on Sanibel?
Yes. Applicants must come to the Sanibel Police Department in person and fill out a Solicitor’s Permit and Registration form.

Is horseback riding permitted on Sanibel?
No. It is unlawful to ride any horse or for the owner of any horse to permit such horse to be at large on any public beach, road, shared use path, right-of-way or other public property within the boundaries of the City of Sanibel.

Are you allowed to feed the wildlife on Sanibel?
No. This includes but is not limited to raccoons, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, birds, lizards, manatees, dolphins, and bobcats.

Is shelling permitted?
No live shelling is permitted.

Can we take our dog to the beach?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on our beaches, but, they must always be on leash and under the control of the owner. They cannot be at large.

Are vehicles allowed on the beaches?
No. Only authorized vehicles are permitted to be on the beaches.

What is Red Tide?
Red Tide is a higher than normal concentration of microscopic alga. Red Tide can cause people to experience respiratory irritation resulting in coughing, sneezing, and tearing.

Is it safe to swim during a Red Tide?
Yes, for most people. Some people experience skin irritation and burning eyes.

Can we have a bonfire on the beach?
Yes, but only after a permit is applied for and received from the Sanibel Fire Control District.

Can we set off fireworks on Sanibel?
No. It is unlawful for any person to transport, possess, set off or otherwise cause to explode or discharge or burn any firecracker, torpedo, rocket, sparkler, or any other fireworks or explosives within the City limits.

Can I fish from the Sanibel Fishing Pier?
Yes. A State of Florida fishing license is required.

Can commercial boats use the Sanibel Boat Ramp for business?
No.

Can we use personal Segways (Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices) on the shared use paths?
Yes. Tours led by authorized vendors can use these devices. Additionally, persons with a disability may apply for a permit at the Recreation Center to operate on the shared use path.

I have a disability and need assistance getting around. Can I operate a motorized wheelchair or other device on the shared use paths?
Yes, if it is ADA-approved.

When can we water our yard?
Generally, it is unlawful and prohibited for any person to irrigate lawns within the City between the hours of 9am and 5pm, except:
-With low-volume devices.
-To maintain irrigation systems which are not low volume. Such maintenance shall be limited to 10 minutes per zone, once a week.
-To apply fertilizers and pesticides.

How can I obtain a Hurricane Reentry Pass?

By contacting the Police Department Emergency Management or Click Here for Further Instructions.

Fishing Laws:

All Florida fishing laws and regulations are established by the state Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the latest regulations are available on the web here: http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/