We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Monroe County Board of Commissioners to designate a specific section of Boca Chica Beach Park as a clothing-optional area for sunbathing and recreation. Drawing inspiration from the successful model of Haulover Beach Park in Miami-Dade County, we believe that implementing a clothing-optional section at Boca Chica Beach Park would enhance tourism, promote body positivity, and provide a safe, family-friendly environment for naturists while respecting local laws and community standards. With sufficient community support, Monroe County’s legal framework, similar to Miami-Dade’s, allows for such a designation under home rule authority.

Benefits of a Clothing-Optional Section at Boca Chica Beach Park

The establishment of a clothing-optional section at Haulover Beach Park in Miami-Dade County serves as a proven model for success. Haulover Beach, recognized as one of the best clothing-optional beaches globally, attracts approximately 1.2 million visitors annually, with 67% being domestic and international tourists, generating over $1 million in parking revenue alone for Miami-Dade County. This economic boost supports local businesses, including concessions, rentals, and nearby hotels, fostering job creation and economic growth. Similarly, designating a clothing-optional section at Boca Chica Beach Park could draw naturist tourists to the Florida Keys, enhancing the local economy in Monroe County, particularly for small businesses near Key West.

Haulover Beach demonstrates that a well-regulated clothing-optional area can be family-friendly and inclusive. The beach, located between lifeguard towers 12 and 16, is staffed by trained volunteers from South Florida Free Beaches who provide information on beach etiquette, ensuring a respectful and safe environment. Amenities such as restrooms, showers, and concessions enhance the visitor experience, while clear signage delineates the clothing-optional area, minimizing conflicts with other beachgoers. Boca Chica Beach Park, with its secluded sandy areas and Caribbean-style coral reef surroundings, is ideally suited to replicate this model, offering a serene and natural setting for naturists.

Furthermore, Haulover Beach promotes body positivity and a sense of community, attracting diverse visitors from across the United States and beyond. By establishing a similar space at Boca Chica, Monroe County can cater to the growing interest in naturist recreation, providing a legal and regulated alternative to the current unofficial use of the beach by nude sunbathers, which lacks oversight and carries legal risks.

Legal Feasibility in Monroe County

Monroe County’s legal framework mirrors Miami-Dade County’s in key ways, making a clothing-optional designation at Boca Chica Beach Park feasible. In 1994, when the Florida Legislature attempted to close Haulover’s nude beach, Miami-Dade County successfully argued that its public beaches fall under “home rule” authority, allowing the county to regulate them independently. This precedent applies to Monroe County, which also operates under home rule as granted by the Florida Constitution. A Florida Supreme Court ruling, upheld by a federal appeals court, further supports this by permitting public nudity in designated areas as long as it is not conducted in a vulgar or indecent manner.

While Monroe County currently has no official nude beaches, Boca Chica Beach is already used informally for nude sunbathing, particularly in secluded areas, indicating existing community interest. However, without official designation, users risk legal repercussions, as nudity is not explicitly sanctioned. By formally designating a clothing-optional section, Monroe County can regulate the area, ensuring compliance with local ordinances and naturist etiquette, similar to Haulover’s model. This would provide clarity for law enforcement and beachgoers, reducing potential conflicts.

Community support is critical to this proposal’s success. Haulover Beach’s clothing-optional section was established through the dedicated advocacy of South Florida Free Beaches and naturist activist Shirley Mason in 1994. With similar grassroots efforts and public backing, Monroe County can follow suit, addressing concerns from residents who may oppose nude beaches by implementing clear boundaries, signage, and volunteer oversight to maintain a respectful environment.

Call to Action

We urge the Monroe County Board of Commissioners to consider this petition and engage with the community to explore the designation of a clothing-optional section at Boca Chica Beach Park. By adopting Haulover Beach’s successful framework—complete with clear signage, volunteer ambassadors, and amenities—Monroe County can create a safe, inclusive, and economically beneficial space for naturists. We respectfully request a public hearing to discuss this proposal and gather input from residents, businesses, and visitors to ensure a balanced and community-supported decision.

Signed,

Interested Citizens of Monroe County and Greater Florida