COVID-19 FAQs for Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Updated March 31, 2020, 9:00 am CST.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida places the highest priority on the health and safety of our residents and visitors. We are committed to consistently providing you with the most up-to-date information on the status of our businesses and attractions as the situation evolves.  We will continue to update this page as new information and guidelines become available and work alongside our local leadership, including the Okaloosa County Health Department, to keep all well-informed and safe. 

Are there any travel restrictions in Destin-Fort Walton Beach?

• At this time, there are no domestic travel advisories or warnings related to Destin-Fort Walton Beach. As the situation is rapidly evolving, it’s important to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC before making a decision that is right for you and your family. 

Are the beaches + parks closed?

• For the safety of our residents and visitors, Okaloosa County has temporarily closed all beaches. Henderson Beach State Park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore also remain closed at this time.

• Effective March 25th public parks, including playgrounds and restroom facilities in Okaloosa County will be closed through April 30th. Boat launches remain open, with the exception of Meigs Park. A number of hiking trails within the parks will remain open, including Veterans Park at Baywalk, Don & Susan Stillwell Park, and Baker Recreation Area.

Are vacation rentals impacted?

• On March 27th, the governor announced that Florida is suspending any new vacation rentals for a period of 14 days. If you are currently in a vacation rental, you are permitted to stay and finish out your time. 

Are roadways + airports impacted?

• On March 27th, the governor called for roadside checkpoints on interstates to check for potential COVID-19 cases coming into the state from Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The checkpoints will be on the main thoroughfares and certain license plates will be diverted.
• To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect toll collectors, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) will temporarily not accept cash as a form of payment for tolls including the Mid-Bay Toll Bridge. Tolls will still be required, but they will be collected either via SunPass or toll-by-plate. 
• Per the governor, all visitors arriving by plane from the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York), must enter a period of quarantine for 14 days from the time of entry, or for the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter.

Are restaurants and bars closed?

• Area bars and nightclubs closed at 5PM on March 17, 2020 for 30 days statewide per the Florida governor.

• All restaurants and food establishments have closed their dining rooms, per the Florida governor. However, a number of our restaurants are now offering curbside pickup and delivery services including:
  • American Lunch will be serving free lunch to those in need Monday-Friday from 11 am - 1 pm at the following restaurants:
    • Harbor Docks - Monday, Wednesday & Friday
    • La Paz/Local Market - Tuesday
    • Camilles at Crystal Beach - Thursday
  • The Following Restaurants in Destin Commons are offering take-out orders:
    • Chipotle
    • Formula Fresh
    • Redbrick Pizza
    • Smashburger
    • Which Wich
  • The Crab Trap, Destin
  • Fudpucker’s 
  • Stewby's Seafood Shanty
  • La Paz 
  • Local Market 
  • Camille's at Crystal Beach
  • Tijuana Flats
  • Palm Bistro  
  • Destin Brewery - Growler Fills
  • McGuires 
  • Giovanni's One89
  • Harry Ts' Lighthouse
  • The Palms Bistro - Coffee orders to-go
  • Buffalo's Reef

Please contact the local business to check operating hours for to-go orders. 

Are attractions and activities closed?

• Some local activities and attractions, such as fishing charters, dolphin tours, and water sports rental locations, operate outdoors and are open. Several have chosen to temporarily close to protect the health and safety of their customers and employees. 

Many local businesses are taking extra steps to protect area visitors, residents and their employees. The following changes and closures have been put in place by individual businesses:

• Destin Commons has adjusted their hours:
  • Monday thru Saturday 12 PM-8 PM
  • Sunday 12 PM-6 PM.
• The Gulfarium will be closed starting March 20, 2020 and tentatively plans to reopen April 11, 2020. 
• Big Kahunas has temporarily closed on March 19, 2020. We will update when a reopen date is available.
• Wild Willy's Adventure Zone has temporarily closed for two weeks starting March 20, 2020.
• The Track has temporarily closed starting March 19, 2020 and tentatively plan to re-open April 1, 2020.

Our Visitor's Centers on Okaloosa Island and at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport are closed to the public at this time. We invite you to call us at 800-322-3319. 

We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available, and encourage you to visit/call the following sources regarding travel safety and local updates:

• Okaloosa County for local updates  
• Florida Department of Health
• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 call center: 1.866.779.6121
• The Centers for Disease Control