Metal Detecting Laws By State

Metal Detecting on National Parks

Before you look for metal detecting laws for your state, keep in mind that state laws don’t apply on federal lands.

We know that national parks are federal lands, so state laws about metal detection do not apply to these properties.

As per the Code of Federal Regulations, the use of metal detectors is NOT ALLOWED in national parks.

In fact, in some national parks, it is a felony to use these devices. 

Metal Detecting Laws by State

Some states have stricter laws, while others allow metal detection in certain areas without a permit.

Here are the laws for metal detectors in each state:

1. Alabama

It is prohibited to use metal detectors in state parks in Alabama. Also, you can’t use them and dig any aboriginal or burial grounds.

You may be able to use a metal detector in a state park with the permission of the park manager.

In general, you need a permit to detect metal on public lands in Alabama.

2. Alaska

Metal detection laws are more relaxed in the state of Alaska.

You don’t need a permit to use the device in non-prohibited areas.

The state follows the Archaeological Resources Preservation Act (ARPA), which bars you from pursuing your metal detection hobby on recreational areas and national monuments.

3. Arizona

In Arizona, you can use metal detectors in forests with a permit.

Similarly, you need a permit to hunt on lands that belong to the Bureau of Land Management.

The state also does not allow the archaeological collection on state lands.

Other than that, you don’t need a permit to hunt for non-relics in other areas.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas permits metal detection in certain public beaches. You can also use your device in state parks with a permit.

5. California

Like Alaska, the State of California also follows the ARPA regulations.

You can metal hunt on the active mining claims, but you cannot dig without permission. 

Most California state parks allow metal detection as long as you dig without destroying vegetation.

You can also use metal detectors on beaches in California.

6. Colorado

Generally, metal detection is allowed in Colorado, but you cannot remove artifacts.

You can do this in state parks, but you are not allowed to dig.

Some state parks may require a permit beforehand.

7. Connecticut

Connecticut has less strict laws regarding metal detection.

You can detect on lands of the Department of Environmental Science without a permit, and you can use metal detectors on beaches with a special permit.

The state also requires collectors to fill the holes they have dug.

Also, in case you got lucky and found personal artifacts, you must report them to the authorities.

8. Delaware

You can use metal detectors in beaches on state parks in Delaware during regular park hours.

Under the state park law, only beaches east of the dune line allow metal detection.

You cannot take artifacts older than 100 years, though, under the ARPA regulation.

9. Florida

Metal detection is legal on many beaches in Florida without the need for a permit.

That’s unlike many states where permits are required to detect on public lands.

Objects under the ground over 50 years qualify as state property, according to state laws.

It’s strictly prohibited on private properties.

10. Georgia

The state of Georgia also follows ARPA regulations, so you cannot use metal detectors on any federal lands.

You can use metal detectors on some beaches designated for this particular activity.

However, avoid metal detection in state parks in Georgia as it is prohibited.

11. Hawaii

In Hawaii, metal detection is permitted only on sandy beaches, and you don’t need a permit for most beaches.

Also, you cannot use these devices on archaeological sites.

12. Idaho

Idaho follows ARPA as well as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

The latter act forbids metal detection and digging on historic lands.

As such, you need a permit to dig in the state parks of Idaho. 

Lands outside of ARPA and NHPA that are not private don’t necessarily require a permit.

13. Illinois

State park laws regarding metal detection vary in the state of Illinois. 

You need a permit to use detectors on certain state lands, including parks.

Some cities in the state also require special permission to use metal detectors on public lands.

14. Indiana

The Indiana state allows metal detection in most places only with a permit. This also includes picnic areas.

While metal detection is prohibited in state parks, you can obtain permission to use it on sandy beaches.

15. Iowa

Iowa allows metal detection on certain beaches with a designated period of the year and time of the day for that period.

Under the state park laws, you can detect from May 22 to September 27 every year.

During this time, you can use metal detectors from 4:00 am until 11:00 am.

The rest of the year, you can metal hunt from 4:00 am until 10:30 pm every day.

16. Kansas

In Kansas, there are no laws prohibiting the use of metal detectors.

However, it’s not permissible to dig holes in state parks.

17. Kentucky

Kentucky follows ARPA and also forbids the use of metal detectors on state parks.

You strictly need a permit to detect metals on state lands.

18. Louisiana

Louisiana does not allow the use of metal detectors on state parks.

You can obtain permits for metal detection for certain lakes from US Army Corps Engineers.

19. Maine

In Maine, metal detection is prohibited in historical sites.

Other than that, though, you can do it with written permission at parks.

20. Maryland

Historic places and properties with cultural significance are off-limits in Maryland.

You can detect metal in parks without a permit during the usual public hours. However, you need a permit to dig into parks.

21. Massachusetts

The state allows the use of metal detectors on campsites and beaches with the permission of the park manager.

Metal detection on saltwater and freshwater beaches is permitted.

Cities and towns in Massachusetts may have their own rules and regulations, though.