Metal Detecting in Savannah, Georgia: Permits, Parks & Rules

You’ll need written authorization before metal detecting in Savannah, as the city’s archaeology ordinance prohibits detecting on most public lands without permits. Federal law bans removing artifacts over 100 years old from federal sites like Fort Pulaski, while Georgia Code 12-3-10 requires DNR permission for state parks. Historic squares, cemeteries, and Civil War sites are off-limits. You can detect on private property with landowner consent, though violations risk fines and equipment confiscation. The sections below clarify specific locations, permit procedures, and enforcement details.

Table of Contents hide

1 Key Takeaways

2 Understanding Federal and State Metal Detecting Laws in Georgia

3 Where You Can and Cannot Use Metal Detectors in Savannah

4 Obtaining Permits and Permissions for Metal Detecting Activities

5 Frequently Asked Questions

5.1 What Should I Do if I Accidentally Find Human Remains While Metal Detecting?

5.2 Can I Metal Detect on Savannah’s Beaches at Tybee Island?

5.3 Are There Metal Detecting Clubs or Groups I Can Join in Savannah?

5.4 What Happens to Valuable Items I Find on Private Property Legally?

5.5 Do I Need Special Insurance to Metal Detect in Savannah?

6 References

Key Takeaways

Metal detecting on Savannah city land, historic parks, and squares requires written permits under the municipal archaeology ordinance.
Fort Pulaski National Monument and Civil War sites completely prohibit metal detecting under federal and state law.

Georgia state parks need DNR written permission per Code 12-3-10; most archaeological sites are restricted statewide.
Private property detecting is legal with landowner consent; written permission and discovery agreements are strongly recommended.
Violations result in fines, equipment confiscation, and legal penalties under city, state, and federal regulations.

Understanding Federal and State Metal Detecting Laws in Georgia

Before you begin metal detecting in Savannah, you must understand that federal and state laws impose strict regulations on where and how you can pursue this hobby.

ARPA prohibits removing archaeological resources over 100 years old from federal lands, protecting historically significant artifacts. National Forest regulations under 36 CFR 261.9 similarly restrict disturbing prehistoric or historic materials, though metal detecting for mineral prospecting remains permissible under specific mining laws.

Federal lands impose strict age-based restrictions on artifact removal, with archaeological resources over 100 years old receiving comprehensive legal protection under ARPA.

Georgia Code 12-3-10 requires written permission from the DNR commissioner before metal detecting on state parks, historic sites, or recreational areas. It is unlawful to enter or damage land managed by DNR without permission, and activities such as excavating on DNR-controlled lands require written authorization.

Historical preservation mandates make Civil War sites completely off-limits statewide.

Archaeological resources receive extensive protection across public lands.

You’ll find greater freedom on private property, where landowner consent allows unrestricted detecting exempt from ARPA regulations. Written permission and discovery division agreements are recommended for legal safe-keeping when detecting on private property.

Where You Can and Cannot Use Metal Detectors in Savannah

Understanding the legal framework at federal and state levels provides the foundation, but Savannah’s metal detecting landscape requires knowledge of specific municipal restrictions that govern individual locations throughout the city.

You can’t use metal detectors in historic parks, squares, or cemeteries without written city approval. Historical sites like Fort Pulaski National Monument ban detectors entirely on federal land and water.

State parks prohibit detecting on archaeological sites per OCGA 12-3-10(n).

Beach access requires landowner permission verification through DNR, as coastal areas may be private properties or state-owned.

Riverfronts follow public property protocols requiring city authorization.

You’re prohibited from using digging tools on city land without prior permission.

Common areas within the historic district remain off-limits under local preservation regulations protecting Savannah’s cultural heritage.

Cemetery visitors must also note that treasure hunting and artifact removal activities require explicit permission from cemetery authorities before any metal detecting can occur.

Violators may face fines or penalties, and equipment can be confiscated if park rules are broken.

Obtaining Permits and Permissions for Metal Detecting Activities

Metal detecting on public property in Savannah requires maneuvering a restrictive permit system that effectively prohibits the activity in most circumstances. The city’s archaeology ordinance classifies metal detecting as archaeological activity, banning it without exception on municipal land. You won’t find exemptions for equipment maintenance or historical research purposes.

For private land detection, you’ll need written permission from property owners. They legally control archaeological sites on their property, excluding burial grounds. Coastal beaches demand ownership verification—contact DNR Law Enforcement Region VII at 912-264-7237 before detecting.

Cemeteries remain off-limits under section 2.12, prohibiting treasure hunting. The Director of Cemeteries controls all artifact removal permissions.

County and city parks require checking posted regulations and obtaining explicit permission when rules don’t expressly prohibit detecting. Metal detecting or digging on state property—including Civil War sites—is illegal under state law. The ordinance currently applies to projects within city limits, with jurisdictional scope varying by location and property type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do if I Accidentally Find Human Remains While Metal Detecting?

Stop metal detector maintenance immediately and secure the site. Contact local law enforcement without disturbing evidence. You’re legally required to report discoveries, especially near historical site restrictions. Don’t remove anything—authorities will handle proper investigation and preservation procedures.

Can I Metal Detect on Savannah’s Beaches at Tybee Island?

Metal detecting isn’t permitted on Tybee Island’s state-managed beaches per OCGA 12-3-10(n). Before attempting detection elsewhere, you’ll need written landowner permission for private sections. Always prioritize beach safety and tide timing when exploring Georgia’s coastline legally.

Are There Metal Detecting Clubs or Groups I Can Join in Savannah?

You can join the Coastal Empire History Hunters Association, which meets monthly in Pooler. Several metal detecting clubs operate throughout Georgia, including historical societies focused on relic recovery. These groups welcome visitors and provide valuable networking opportunities for enthusiasts.

What Happens to Valuable Items I Find on Private Property Legally?

Ownership rights anchor to the landowner unless you’ve negotiated otherwise in writing beforehand. Valuables declaration isn’t federally mandated on private property, but your written agreement should specify how discoveries are divided to protect your freedom and investment.

Do I Need Special Insurance to Metal Detect in Savannah?

You’re not legally required to carry special insurance for metal detecting in Savannah. However, obtaining liability coverage is strongly recommended to protect yourself against potential damage claims or archaeological disturbance violations while exercising your detecting rights.