Metal Detecting in Florida: 5 Tips for Beginners

January 11, 2021

Allow me to paint a picture for you. Imagine the treasure of Spanish galleons, pirate warships, and English frigates beneath your feet. A thrilling notion, huh?

Well, it’s more than imagination. The beaches and waters of the Florida coast contain some of this massive wealth. It is estimated that several million dollars worth of loot hides just below the surface.

It’s there for the taking. It starts with a metal detector.

If you want to stake a claim, read on. This guide examines 5 tips to help beginners prepare for metal detecting in Florida.

1) Acquire the Tools of the Trade

You can’t just walk the Florida beaches with a cheery disposition and hope to find treasure.

Those who seek are called detectorists. If you want to get serious about this hobby, you need the tools of the trade.

First, outfit yourself with a metal detector. Minelab and Whites Electronics are two excellent brands to look for. If you don’t have a model in mind, the pros a Bill Jackson’s will point you in the right direction. They can also set you up with scoops, shovels, headphones, and other necessary equipment.

2) Do Your Homework

Now that you have the tools, you need to know where to look. Florida has over 1300 miles of coastline. Libraries, Google maps, and online forums are a great place to start in search of loot. Previous findings, historical wreck sites, and reference material will point you in the right direction.

However, homework is not only to pinpoint hot spots. You will also determine where not to go. Learn the Florida metal detecting laws. For example, private property and Florida National Parks do not allow metal detecting.

Being informed before the hunt will save you time.

3) Keep an Eye on the Tides

The tides of the ocean play an important role in metal detecting. Keep track of the shifting seas in Florida. At the lowest tides, you will have the most beach to access. More surface area equals more hunting grounds.

There are two high and low tides every 24 hours. A Florida tide table will help you determine the best times to detect in your area.

4) Storm Churn Up Booty

A good time to use a metal detector is after a storm. Heavy storms on the coasts of Florida churn the seas. Rough and choppy waves will shake up the ocean floor. This type of movement can break loose treasure lodged in the sands and wash it ashore.

Florida’s hurricanes do a particularly good job of moving things around. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your metal detecting accordingly.

5) Early and Often

You aren’t going to make a huge discovery your first time using a metal detector. You have to stick with it. Go as often as you can to improve your chances.

Furthermore, there are other detectorists out there. The earlier you set out, the better shot you have and finding the goods. Start a routine sweeping the beaches early.

There is nothing more pleasant than walking Florida’s beaches at daybreak.

Start Metal Detecting in Florida

Now that you know a few tips to prepare for metal detecting in Florida, what are you waiting for? Get out there and find some buried treasure.

If you want to learn more or have the urge to gear up for the hunt, stop by our store.