Dog-friendly launches, Crystal River to Siesta Key
Some launches welcome a leashed dog, a few have a real dog beach where they can swim, and plenty do not allow dogs at all. Here is the honest breakdown, drawn from county, city, and state-park rules, so you can pick a spot that works for your dog instead of getting turned around at the ramp. Rules change and this is not legal advice, so check the posted signs when you arrive.
Dog beaches: sand and water
A designated dog beach where a leashed dog can be on the sand and in the water. The rare good ones.
- Fort De Soto
Central bay launch
- Honeymoon Island
North coast launch
- Palma Sola Causeway Ramp
South coast launch
- Picnic Island Park
Central bay launch
Leashed dogs welcome at the launch
Leashed dogs are allowed at the park and the launch. At a few county parks the rule still keeps dogs off a posted swim beach, so read the spot page.
- Anclote River Park
North coast launch
- Ballast Point Park
Central bay launch
- Brasher Park
North coast launch
- Chassahowitzka (The Chaz)
North coast launch
- Clam Bayou
Central bay launch
- Cockroach Bay (Ruskin)
South coast launch
- Coffee Pot Bayou
Central bay launch
- Davis Islands Boat Ramp
Central bay launch
- Eagle Point
North coast launch
- Emerson Point (Palmetto)
South coast launch
- Fort Hamer Park (launch)
South coast launch
- Fred Howard Park
North coast launch
- Key Vista
North coast launch
- Lassing Park
Central bay launch
- Maximo Park
Central bay launch
- Mobbly Bayou (Oldsmar)
North coast launch
- Old Homosassa Public Ramp
North coast launch
- Ozello Community Park
North coast launch
- Philippe Park
North coast launch
- Robinson Preserve
South coast launch
- Sand Key Park
Central bay launch
- Seminole Waterfront Park
Central bay launch
- Upper Tampa Bay Park
Central bay launch
- Warner's Bayou Ramp
South coast launch
Leashed on land only
A leashed dog is fine on the grounds and trails, but not on the swim beach or in the water.
- Bird Key Park
South coast launch
- E.G. Simmons (boat ramp)
Central bay launch
- Ken Thompson / City Island
South coast launch
- Werner-Boyce SP
North coast launch
Where dogs are not allowed
These launches do not permit dogs, usually a county beach rule or a preserve. Listed so you do not drive out and get turned around.
- Bayfront Park (Anna Maria)
South coast launch
- Bayport Park
North coast launch
- Coquina Beach Ramp (AMI south)
South coast launch
- Crystal River (Hunter Springs)
North coast launch
- Dunedin Causeway
North coast launch
- Fort Island Gulf Beach
North coast launch
- Green Key
North coast launch
- Hernando Beach Ramp
North coast launch
- Jenkins Creek Park
North coast launch
- Kingfish Boat Ramp
South coast launch
- Kings Bay Park
North coast launch
- Linda Pedersen Park
North coast launch
- Pine Island (McKethan)
North coast launch
- Rogers Park
North coast launch
- Strickland Memorial
North coast launch
- Ted Sperling / South Lido
South coast launch
- Turtle Beach (Siesta Key)
South coast launch
- Weedon Island
Central bay launch
- Weeki Wachee Springs SP
North coast launch