Frequently Asked Questions

Make sure your house number is clearly posted so that emergency responders can find you quickly. If you call 9-1-1 from a cell phone and you don’t know the address, look around for street signs, business signs, and landmarks to help identify your location. If you accidentally call 9-1-1, DON’T HANG UP!! Wait for the 9-1-1 professional to answer and let them know it was an accident.

Firefighters must train in some capacity every day. We are required to train an average of 20 hours a month in fire related training in areas such as:  fire ground operations, medical emergencies, Hazmat mitigation, and rope rescue.  Firefighters also conduct pre-fire plans, inspect hydrants, and maintain equipment and stations.  We also prepare meals, exercise, study and sometimes relax, but we are always prepared to answer emergency calls.

Fort Walton’s Insurance Service Organization (ISO) rating is a 3. Traditionally, the insurance industry utilizes a fire protection ISO rating as one of the factors they use in determining commercial and residential fire insurance rates for consumers. The rating surveys a variety of factors including water supply infrastructure, types and maintenance of protection equipment, firefighting staffing and training, station locations, dispatching systems, etc. Fire departments are then assigned an ISO rating, beginning with the highest of 1 through the lowest of 10. ISO 3 is an excellent rating that saves our citizens money on insurance costs.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) provide Basic Life Support and Paramedics provide Advanced Life Support (ALS).  ALS care consists of establishing Intravenous line (IV), administering numerous life-saving medications, cardiac monitoring including 12 lead, pediatric advanced life support, and advanced airway management. EMT care is anything and everything of a lesser skill level. You must be an EMT before you can be a Paramedic. Most local departments are Basic Life Support (BLS) care providers.

9-1-1 is only to be used in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police/sheriff, the fire department or an ambulance. If you are ever in doubt as to whether a situation is an emergency you should call 9-1-1. It’s better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance. If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Tell the call taker what happened so they know there really isn’t an emergency.

Fort Walton Beach Fire Department (FWBFD) is a full career Fire Department (FD) made up of 33 line Firefighters, the Staff consisting of the Chief, administrative coordinator, Fire Marshal, and one Inspector. The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department was established in 1941 with an all-volunteer force, and we operated as such until the early 80s when the department transformed into a full career department.  Our main station is located on Hollywood Boulevard NE.  Station 6 houses our administrative offices, Truck 6, and Rescue 6. Our second station on Lewis Turner Boulevard houses Engine 7.  Truck 6, Rescue 6, and Engine 7 operate with at least one paramedic, and all provide Advanced Life Support Paramedic Care.

During a structure fire, temperatures inside a structure are often 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. By cutting a hole in the roof and/or breaking out windows, we are ventilating the building. The heat is allowed to escape through these openings thereby making it safer for firefighters to enter the building and apply water directly on the fire. This extinguishing strategy is key to stopping a structure fire quickly, and actually helps minimize damage to other rooms.

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 call taker. Your Fire Department responds with adequate resources to deal with the worst that could happen since discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late. A structure fire requires a defined number of people to do all the assigned tasks almost simultaneously. Crews are assigned tasks such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability, and rapid intervention (safety team to rescue fellow firefighters).

On occasion, the fire engine and ambulance will be driving with lights and sirens and then suddenly turn them off–perhaps only to turn into a shopping center parking lot or side street. Be assured that when this happens it means we have received information through our 9-1-1 dispatchers that the call or incident is no longer a dire emergency. It is what we call “being canceled en route”. Any or all of the apparatus may continue to drive to the call or perhaps some will return to the station.

Many times a fire engine will arrive when an ambulance is called because it is the closest emergency vehicle to the scene. The Fort Walton Fire Department is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) First Responder agency and each of its fire stations maintain licensed Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians. By setting up our fire engines to handle all types of calls we can provide advanced emergency medical care. Therefore, we can provide whatever aid is necessary until an ambulance arrives.

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The Florida Building Code requires a Building Permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any impact-resistant coverings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by The Florida Building Code, latest edition.

Some examples are:

The moving, removal, or addition of any non-structural walls in both residential and commercial

Accessory storage buildings, regardless of size

Fences, or replacement of two or more fence sections

Water Heater Replacements

Extension or installation of any electrical branch circuit or feeder

Ductwork extensions

Building permits would not be required for items that are being repaired such as a broken fence rail, replacement of appliances (other than water heaters), painting your residence, or for the replacement or addition of any type of non-structural flooring. Always call prior to the commencement of any construction project to verify whether a permit is required 850-833-9605, or you can email the Building Division. 

In accordance with the Current edition of The Florida Building Code, the following items are exempt from permitting:

Floor coverings such as tile or carpet

Minor cabinetry which does not include any electrical or plumbing fixtures

Minor drywall repairs

Painting

Portable Heating or cooling appliances

Other minor home repairs as deemed exempt by the Building Official. 

If you have any questions, please contact our Building Division. 

Engineered plans are required on all new commercial or residential construction including accessory dwelling units, additions, remodels for which the scope of work includes structural alterations, accessory structures and repair to code projects. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Building Division. 

Alteration Permits are required for kitchen and bathroom remodels in which all cabinets and plumbing, gas, and/or electrical fixtures are being removed. Alteration Permits are also required if the sheetrock will be removed or walls will be added or removed. 

According to Chapter 713 of the Florida State Statutes, any improvements to a property with a direct contract price greater than $5,000 ($15,000 for HVAC replacements) require a Notice of Commencement be filed with the Okaloosa Clerk of Court Office. Once you have filed your NOC with the Okaloosa County Clerk of Court, you can upload a copy directly into your customer portal on MGO.

The City of Fort Walton Beach issues permits for fencing to ensure it meets zoning requirements. With your application, we require a site plan showing where the fence is going to be in relation to the property lines, as well as the height of the fence. To learn about the setbacks for a property, please contact our Planning Division. 

Tree removal permits maybe required depending on the type and size of tree to be removed. Please contact the Planning Division for more info. 

Minor repairs, such as replacing a few shingles or repairing small sections of fascia, do not require a permit. If the repair is 100 square feet or more a permit is likely required. In the event that you experience an emergency, such as a fallen tree limb damaging your roof, please make the necessary emergency repairs and apply for a building permit the following business day.

Yes. You also will need to provide a current site plan showing the location of the existing/proposed driveway.

Yes. You also will need to provide a current site plan showing the location of the proposed patio slab with dimensions and property setbacks.

All permits are valid for 180 days after it has been issued. If you will not be ready for inspection within this timeframe, you can request an extension of your permit by submitting an extension request with our office. 

If you have any questions please contact The Building Division. 

If your permit expired without us being notified of the need for a permit extension, you will have to submit a Permit Renewal Request.

Please contact the Building Division for more info. 

If an inspection fails for work, it will be necessary to correct the deficiencies and pay the applicable re-inspection fee before the next inspection will be scheduled.

No. A licensed contractor would be required to pull the permit and do the work.

Yes, pursuant to Florida Statute 489.103(7) an owner/occupant of a property may be issued a permit to do contracting work on their own property. An affidavit must be signed establishing the owner-builder exemption. An owner/builder may only hire licensed subcontractors in those trades that carry a contractor's license.

"Owners of property when acting as their own contractor and providing direct, onsite supervision themselves of all work not performed by licensed contractors, when building or improving farm outbuildings or one-or-two family residences on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not offered for sale or lease, or building or improving commercial buildings, at a cost not to exceed $75,000, on such property for the occupancy or use of such owners and not for sale or lease." Florida Statutes, ss:489.103.

A very simplified answer is “liability.”  Should you decide to apply for a building permit and complete the work yourself, you will be responsible to ensure that all work meets the minimum standards of the Florida Building Code. If you decide to hire a licensed contractor to conduct the work, he or she would be required to meet the minimum standards of the Florida Building Code (FBC).  In addition, most contractors provide some type of warranty on the work conducted and you would have recourse with the Construction Industry licensing Board (CILB) or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) should the contractor fail to complete the work, or it does not meet the standards of the FBC.

If you feel your contractor has committed fraud, misconduct, negligence, or has abandoned their contracted duties, you may wish to filke a complaint against their license. While much of this is a civil issue, we can help you contact the correct departments to take action. 

You will need to contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can file a complaint online or contact the local office at (850)-487-1395. 

If you wish to replace your general contractor but replace them with another contractor, you will need to complete our Release of Contractor form. Once this form is completed, your new contractor will fill out an Assumption of project by Contractor form. 

If an owner-builder or a contractor pulled a permit for a job but the work is no longer being completed by anyone and the permit is no longer needed, you would file a cancellation form.

No, but you may wish to have a specialist do the work for you. Contact your electric provider to see if they offer any rebates for making your home energy efficient.

No, a permit is not required to install window blinds.

No permit is required to paint or apply other wall treatments to the interior of a house, change the flooring or to perform other cosmetic work.  Work that involves specialty trades such as electricians, plumbers, or air conditioning contractors will usually require a permit.  Also any work that involves structural changes such as removing or moving walls will require a permit.  When in doubt, please contact the Building Department for clarification.

Yes. A permit is required to verify that the manufacturer's installation procedures are followed and are in compliance with the Florida Building Code. Interior door replacement does not require a permit.

Yes. The inspector will need to verify the hardware securing the door hinges and strike plates to the door framing. For most windows it is only possible to verify the fastener type and location by operating the window and viewing from the inside.

The manufacturer’s installation instructions and the Florida product approval for each item that will be installed.

Not all doors or windows meet the wind rating requirements for this area.  Providing the design drawings will allow the plan reviewer to verify that the door/window planned for installation will meet the minimum design requirements. The installation instructions allow the inspector to verify that the door/window was properly installed and will meet the wind rating specified by the manufacturer.

The City of Fort Walton Beach issues permits for fencing to ensure it meets zoning requirements. With your application, we require a site plan showing where the fence is going to be in relation to the property lines, as well as the height of the fence. To learn about the setbacks for a property, please contact our Planning Division. 

Yes. It is suggested that the details for the specific address be discussed with the Building Department.

A site plan that shows the property boundaries, property line setbacks, easements, locations of structures, etc. The location and height of the fence should be marked on the survey and uploaded to MGO. 

The drain line must extend a minimum of 12" away from the foundation to prevent excess moisture from accumulating at the foundation.

Yes. 

• Circuit breakers in the panel are labeled and sized to match the air handler and air conditioner requirements.  
• Verify that the air handler configuration and circuit breaker size are properly indicated on the unit.  
• Verify the location and required clearances for an approved disconnecting device.  
• Verify that the primary and secondary overflow drains are in place and operational.  
• Equipment and ducting are properly installed secured and sealed.  
• In addition, the exterior unit mounting and drainage will be checked.   

The unit must be secured to the mounting base with fasteners as described in the Florida Building Code. The number of fasteners will be dictated by the size of the unit. Most units are greater than 36 inches wide/long and typically require three Tapcon (concrete screw) fasteners per side. Gun nails are not considered as acceptable alternative fasteners.

The requirement for a drip pan will depend on where in the house the water heater is located.  If it is inside the living space of the house or in a non-living space, such as the garage, but at the same floor level as the living space, a drip pan is required.  If the water heater is in a non- living space, such as the garage, and the floor it is resting on is below the finished floor of the living space, a drip pan is recommended but not required.

Yes. A permit is required to ensure that the equipment and installation procedures are in compliance with the Florida Building Code and any other applicable City requirements.

Water heaters installed in the garage are subject to vehicle damage and protection devices must be utilized, if required by manufacturer specifications.

An expansion tank is required on the supply line coming into the tank to reduce the tank stress which will shorten the tank's useful life. An alternative to the expansion tank is an approved pressure relief valve assembly. These devices are required on closed systems, which is public water. Expansion tanks or expansion valves are not required on wells.

Anonymous complaints are only allowed per Florida Statute Ch. 125 if the violation presents an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare or imminent destruction of habitat or sensitive resource. For all other complaints, the complainant must provide their name and address to the City before the investigation occurs. To report an issue please contact the Code Enforcement division at Email Code Enforcement or 850-833-9607.

Yes, please visit the Chicken Ordinance Flyer (PDF). Also, you can register online through MyGovernmentOnline (MGO).

No, while many of the code cases investigated each year are initiated by citizen complaints, the majority of cases are inspector initiated. Code cases are initiated by inspectors on an ongoing basis in their assigned zones.

The City has minimum development standards for accessory structures which can be found in Section 5.01.02 and Section 5.01.07 of the Land Development Code. For more information, please contact the Planning Division at 850-833-9697. Please visit the Building Department's webpage for more information on how to obtain a Building Permit for an accessory structure.

Yes, this is called a home occupation and is permissible in the City. There are some restrictions on home occupations and only certain types of businesses can operate out of a home. The home occupation regulations can be found in Land Development Code Section 5.01.01.

A Business Tax Receipt is required for all home occupations, the application can be found on the Business Tax Receipts Page.

Yes! An annual golf cart permit is required to operate your golf cart on streets throughout the City. Please Email Planning Division for more information.

A development order will be required prior to the issuance of any building permits. The Planning Division issues development orders in compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code regulations. More information can be found here on the Development Review Process Page.

Setbacks are measured as the shortest distance from the exterior building wall to the property line. The rear yard setback for any waterfront lot is measured to the mean high water line. Eave overhangs shall not be included as a main part of any building, provided, however, that no eave overhang shall exceed three feet and shall not be less than eight feet from ground level. The City's development standards can be found in Land Development Code Chapter 4.

You can find the Land Development Code (LDC) through the City's website on the Land Development Code Page.

You can find permissible uses for all zoning districts in Chapter 2 of the Land Development Code.

• Land Development Code Section 2.03.02

A brownfields area is a contiguous area of one or more brownfield sites, some of which may not be contaminated, and which has been designated by a local government by resolution.

Brownfields are defined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.

No. You may complete an application online at  Employment Opportunities page. Human Resources only accepts applications Online.

For certain positions, you must complete an additional questionnaire. If you are applying for a communications officer or police officer position, please complete our pre-employment questionnaire along with our standard employment application. If you are a veteran, please also complete our Veterans’ Preference Form.

Yes. Applications for police officer and communications Trainee positions are accepted year-round.

Applicants should receive a follow up call within two weeks of applying.

Your application will remain active for 45 days, with the exception of those who have applied for police officer, firefighter, and communications officer positions.

Typically, our hiring process involves face-to-face interviews, reference and background checks, and conditional offer/onboarding paperwork. Additionally, some positions will require a drug screen and physical.

You will receive an electronic confirmation if you apply on-line.

Employment information, applications, and pre-employment questionnaires can be obtained from the Human Resources Department.

They can be reached at 850-833-9500, ext. 39507, or request by mail at

City of Fort Walton Beach
Attn: Human Resources
107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548-6614

If you need to recover any property held by the Department, you can contact the Evidence Section at:
Phone: 85-833-9900 ext. 5
Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Yes! The Police Department offers Security Checks. You can complete a Security House Check form and bring it to the Police Department. Your address is placed on a list of addresses that Officers will check during the course of their shift.

Visit the Security House Check Form.

The Police Department does fingerprinting for the public. There is a $5 fee for this service. Fingerprint cards are not supplied.

Visit the Public Records page for more information!

The Department stores found property located by officers or dropped off by citizens in our Evidence Section. Florida Statutes require the property to be held by the Department for 90 days, after which time the property is destroyed or donated to not-for-profit organizations. For more information contact 850-833-9900, ext. 5.

Call the Community Policing Unit and make an appointment for a home/business security survey. The Community Policing Unit can be reached at 850-833-9559.

The City of Fort Walton Beach observes the following holidays. Services are collected accordingly:

• New Year's Day No residential, commercial, or yard waste collections.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Spring Holiday (Friday before Easter) Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Memorial Day Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Juneteenth 19th of June Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• 4th of July Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Labor Day Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Veteran's Day Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Thanksgiving Day No residential, commercial, or yard waste collections.
• Day after Thanksgiving Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Christmas Eve Regularly scheduled residential and commercial service. No yard waste collection.
• Christmas Day No residential, commercial, or yard waste collections.

Call 850-833-9655 before Thursday at 3 pm to schedule a Friday pick - up. Place large items at the curb (at least four feet away from containers) Thursday evening. This is limited to four cubic yards per household, per month. Anything over the limit is subject to a charge.

To avoid damage to our trucks or your property, please follow these simple guidelines:

• Bag household garbage
• Do not allow anything to protrude from the top of the container
• Cut long objects to fit inside the container
• Do not place objects on the lid
• Any item that will fit inside the container (small appliances, small furniture items, etc.) should be placed inside the container
• Do not place hazardous materials (paints, motor oil, household chemicals, and electronics such as televisions and computers) inside the containers

To report damaged, lost, or stolen containers, call 850-833-9655. The City of Fort Walton Beach Sanitation Division will replace or repair containers free of charge. Please make sure to empty, wash and place the container at the curbside for repairs or replacement.

Your residential collection services include garbage collection and recycling once per week and yard waste collection once per week. Miscellaneous Household Items are collected on Fridays by request only. Please call 850-833-9655 before 3 pm on Thursdays to schedule a miscellaneous household pickup.

The courtesy notices are used by the drivers to help inform customers about the Collection Rules. The tags are used as reminders about how to place containers and other debris at the curb for ease of collection.

Only use the container(s) provided by the City. All garbage must be placed inside your container, and all yard waste placed curbside.

• Map of Residential Collections Days (PDF)

Containers and yard waste must be placed curbside after 7 pm on the evening before collection day to ensure pickup and removal no later than 7 pm on the evening of collection. Never rely on "usual" collection times to put the container curbside. Routes are not always run by the same driver or in the same order.

• Map of Yard Waste Collection Days (PDF)

Place containers within three feet of the curb with the handle facing towards your home, or away from the curb. Be sure to place your container at least four feet away from any other container, mailboxes, or other obstructions.

The Coaches Meeting Is on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 5:30 pm at the FWB Rec Center

Any Church Wanting to Play Must Have a Representative at the Meeting to Get All League Information and Rules.

The Deadline to enter a team is March 28.

• Team Fees: $300
• Non-Resident Player Fees: $50
• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30

• Team and Player Registration is at
  Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
  8 am to 8 pm
• Saturday 8am - Noon

TBD

Games will be played on Friday nights with some Tuesday nights.

Games will be played at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex and Chester Pruitt Field.

All participants must be at least 18 years old to play.

Typically, there are 10 to 12 games scheduled with a playoff at the end of the regular season.

Yes, a female can play to fill a roster, but they must play by the men's rules.

  If you missed the coach's meeting, you will have to set up a meeting with the Athletic Coordinator to go over all league rules before your team will be eligible to play in the league.

Sean DeWitt

• Phone: 850-833-9579
• Email Sdewitt@fwb.org 

The Coaches Meeting TBD at the FWB Rec Center. Contact sdewitt@fwb.org 

Any team wanting to play must attend the meeting to get all league information and rules.

The Deadline to enter TBD.

• Team Fees: $300
• Non-Resident Player Fees: $50
• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30

We don't assign players to teams through the Rec Center. Each team recruits its own players.

There are 2 opportunities for you to join a team

• We strongly recommend you as an individual player come to the coach's meeting and meet and talk with team captains to find out if they need more players to fill their rosters.
• We can give your contact information to the team captains that you would like to join a team.

       First line item would be your best chance of joining a team.

Team and Player Registration is at

•  Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Dr NW
•  Phone: 850-833-9576
•  Monday through Friday
  8 am to 8pm
• Saturday 8am-Noon

TBD

Games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Games will be played at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex and Chester Pruitt Field.

All participants must be at least 18 years old to play.

Typically there are 10 to 12 games scheduled with a playoff at the end of the regular season.

If you missed the coaches meeting, you will have to set up a meeting with the Athletic Coordinator to go over all league rules before your team will be eligible to play in the league.

Email sdewitt@fwb.org 
Phone: 850-833-9579

• Participants must be 7 to 14 years old.
  • They must be 7 and cannot be 15 on or before June 1.

There are 4 Leagues of Flag Football

• 14U Senior League to Ages 13 and 14 years old
• 12U Junior League to Ages 11 and 12 years old
• 10U Small Fry League to Ages 9 and 10 years old
• 8U Pee-Wee League to Ages 7 and 8 years old

Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
132 Jet Drive NW
Phone: 850-833-9576

Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth by seeing an official document (birth certificate, shot records, etc.) that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

• There are No Tryouts for the 6U, 8U, and 10U Flag Football Leagues.
• Dates for the Tryouts for the 12U and 14U Flag Football League are TBD.

Practices and games will be located at

• 14U Senior, 12U Junior, Preston Hood Athletic Complex
• 8U Pee-Wee, 10U Small Fry League- City Hall Fields on Coral Drive

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week and possibly Saturday morning prior to league games beginning.

        8U League - Monday and Wednesday at 6 and 7 pm

       10U League - Tuesday and Thursday at 6 and 7 pm.

       12U and 14U Leagues - TBD

Typically, there are 8 games scheduled, depending on how many teams we have in the league.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

Cleated Shoes if possible.

A mouthpiece is optional but recommended.

YES! We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Email Bobby Carmichael
Phone: 85-833-9579.

The NPDES permit program was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1973 as a result of the Clean Water Act passed by Congress. Stormwater runoff is regulated under this program and the program responsibility was delegated to the states. The City of Fort Walton Beach has held the NPDES ms4 permit for approximately 6 years under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The permit outlines a customized stormwater management plan to be followed by each municipality holding a permit. There are 6 minimum control measures and certain best management practices (BMP’s) to be implemented within each minimum control measure. These include Public Education and Outreach, Public Participation and Involvement, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Runoff Control, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping.

The City of Fort Walton Beach is an ms4 (municipal separate storm sewer system). Like other municipalities around the country, this means that stormwater is collected by a system of conveyances such as ditches, curbs, catch basins, and underground pipes and drains to waters of the State- Choctawhatchee Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and tributaries. When the original drainage system for the City was laid, polluted runoff was not nearly as much of a concern as flooding. Now, there are far more cars and chemicals being used which produce oil leaks, other car fluid leaks, brake dust, fertilizers, pesticides, cigarette butts, and other pollutants that drain with stormwater to our local waterways. The permit program regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is designed to reduce the contamination of stormwater runoff and prohibit illicit discharges to the ms4. Contaminated runoff can impact our local waterways in many ways and even contribute to surface water quality decline. Water quality is important to maintaining the uses and values we associate with our water bodies including recreational and commercial fishing, swimming, boating, and other activities.

The City educates the public through the distribution of educational articles and includes stormwater management discussions on “City Desk” a televised community awareness program. The City has also implemented many other programs and activities to achieve the goals of the stormwater management plan such as the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program, which helps to maintain the local Drainage Basins (PDF). Check out the links to BMP’s and nonpoint source pollution on the stormwater home page for more information on stormwater management. Also, look for upcoming workshops and flyers being distributed about stormwater runoff!

February 20through March 20, 2025

Participants must be 5 to 6 years old.
They must be 5 and cannot be 7 on or before May 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
  850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
  8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

There are No Tryouts for Tee-ball.

Practices and games will be located at the Ferry Park Fields on Hughes St.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30.

Practices will be about an hour long.

Games will be on Monday and Wednesday nights at 5:30 pm.

The games will begin by mid April and end by mid May.

Usually there is an 7-8 game schedule.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

A Glove and Cleated Shoes! They may wear baseball pants or shorts to play.

The recreation department will supply bats and batting helmets for each team, however, you do have the option of buying personal ones for your child.

The recreation department will also supply team shirts and caps for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

• Email Sean DeWitt sdewitt@fwb.org
• Phone: 850-833-9579 or 850-833-9576

February 20 through March 20, 2025

Participants must be 7 to 8 years old.
They must be 7 and cannot be 9 on or before May 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
  8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

There are No Tryouts for Coach Pitch Baseball.

Practices and games will be located at the City Hall Athletic Fields at 132 Coral Drive.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30 pm and possibly Saturday mornings. The practice will be about an hour and a half long.

Games are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:45 pm at this time but are subject to change depending on the number of teams we have in the league.

The season should end in May.

Usually there is an 8 game schedule.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

A Glove and Cleated Shoes! They may wear baseball pants or shorts to play.

The recreation department will supply bats and batting helmets for each team, however, you do have the option of buying personal ones for your child.

The recreation department will also supply team shirts and caps for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

YES! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

• Email Bobby Carmichael @bcarmichael@fwb.org
• Phone: 850-833-9579 or 850-833-9576

Registration for the Cal Ripken Minor Baseball League will run from January 2 - January 30,2025.

Participants must be 9 to 10 years old.

They must be 9 and cannot be 11 on or before May 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
   8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

Yes! There will be Tryouts for Minor Baseball at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex on a date TBD.

Yes! All participants will be picked by the coaches

They will need a Glove and Cleated Shoes for the tryouts. No Bats will be needed!

Practices and games will be located at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30 pm and on Saturday mornings. The practice will be about an hour and a half long.

Games will be on Monday and Wednesday nights at 6 pm at this time but is subject to change depending on the number of teams we have in the league.

The season should end in Late April early May.

Usually there is an 8 game schedule, depending on the number of teams in the league.

All Bats must  have the USA stamp on the bat. This is Mandatory. No Exceptions

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

A Glove and Cleated Shoes! They may wear baseball pants or shorts to play.

The recreation department will supply bats and batting helmets for each team, however, you do have the option of buying personal ones for your child.

If your child has his/her own bat it MUST have the USA stamp on it. This is Mandatory. No Exceptions 

The recreation department will also supply team shirts and caps for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

• Email Bobby Carmichael @ bcarmichael@fwb.org
• Phone: 850-833-9579 or 850-833-9576

Registration for the Cal Ripken 12u Major Baseball League will run January 2 - January 30, 2025. 

Participants must be 11 to 12 years old.

They must be 11 and cannot be 13 on or before May 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
  8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations

Yes! There will be Tryouts for Major Baseball at the Preston Hood Athletic complex on a date TBD.

Yes! All participants will be picked by the coaches.

They will need a Glove and Cleated Shoes for the tryouts. NO BATS will be needed!

Practices and games will be located at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30 pm and on Saturday mornings. The practice will be about 2 hours long.

Games at this time are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday @ 6:00 pm but that's subject to change depending on the number of teams we have in the league.

The season should end in early May.

Bats for this league MUST have the USA stamp on the bat. This is Mandatory. No Exceptions.

Usually, there is an 8 to 10 game schedule.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED

 Yes! As long as siblings are age eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

• Email Bobby Carmichael @ bcarmichael@fwb.org
• Phone: 850-833-9579 or 850-833-9576

A Glove, Cleated Shoes, and baseball pants!

The recreation department will supply bats and batting helmets for each team, however, you do have the option of buying personal ones for your child. If you are going to buy a bat for your child the bat must have the USA Stamp on the bat. This is a mandatory rule for the Cal Ripken League. No Exceptions 

The recreation department will also supply team shirts and caps for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

August 13 through September 10 2024

Participants must be 5 to 6 years old.

They must be 5 and cannot be 7 on or before January 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
  8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

There are No Tryouts for this league.

Practices and games will be located at the FWB Recreation Center at 132 Jet Drive.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30 or 6:30 pm and possibly Saturday morning. Practices will be an hour-long prior to the season beginning.

Games nights are TBD at 5:45 and 6:45

Games should begin by mid-October.

The season should end by early November, depending on the number of teams.

There are usually 6 to 8 games scheduled.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

Athletic Shorts and Tennis Shoes!

The Recreation Department will supply basketballs for each team and team jerseys for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

• Email Bobby Carmichael
• Phone: 850-833-9579

September17 through  October 10, 2024

Participants must be 7 to 8 years old.

They must be 7 and cannot be 9 on or before January 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Frida
  8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

There are No Tryouts for Pee Wee Basketball.

Practices and games will be located at the FWB Recreation Center on Jet Drive.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30 or 6:30 pm and possibly Saturday morning.

Practices will be an hour long prior to the season beginning.

Games nights are TBD at 5:45 and 6:45.

Games should begin by Mid-November.

The season should end by mid-December.

There is usually 8 games scheduled.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

Athletic Shorts and Tennis Shoes!

The Recreation Department will supply basketballs for each team and team jerseys for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

• Email Bobby Carmichael
• Phone: 850-833-9579

November 14 through December 17, 2024

Participants must be 9 to 10 years old.

They must be 9 and cannot be 11 on or before January 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
  8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

There are No Tryouts for Small Fry Basketball.

Practices and games will be located at the FWB Recreation Center at 132 Jet Drive.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30 or 6:30 pm and Saturday mornings. Practices will be an hour-long prior to the season beginning.

Games will be on Tuesday and Thursday nights and possibly Wednesday night depending on number of teams in the league at 5:45 and 6:45.

Games should begin by late January.

The season should end by late February.

There is usually 8 games scheduled.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

Athletic Shorts and Tennis Shoes!

The Recreation Department will supply basketballs for each team and team jerseys for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

• Email Bobby Carmichael
• Phone: 850-833-9579

 January 23  through  February 20, 2024

Participants must be 11 to 13 years old.

They must be 11 and cannot be 14 on or before January 1.

• Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
  132 Jet Drive. NW
• Phone: 850-833-9576
• Monday through Friday
  8 am to 5 pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth.

Please bring a birth certificate, shot records, or other official document that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

There are No Tryouts for Midget League Basketball.

Practices and games will be located at the FWB Recreation Center at 132 Jet Drive.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week at 5:30 or 6:45 pm and Saturday mornings.. Practices will be about an hour and 15 minutes long.

Games will be on Monday through Thursday nights starting at 5:45.

Games should begin by early March.

The season should end by mid April.

Usually there are 8 to 10 games scheduled with an end of the season tournament.

 Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

Athletic Shorts and Tennis Shoes! The Recreation Department will supply basketballs for each team and team jerseys for each player.

We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

• Email Bobby Carmichael
• Phone: 850-833-9579

Reservations can be made at the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center at 132 Jet Drive NW. Please contact Recreation Coordinator Wendy Riggs at 850-833-9582 for facility availability and to make a reservation. If the field or facility is available, she will create a permit form that must be filled out completely and paid for in advance of rental. Permit requests must be submitted 30 days prior to an activity (exceptions may apply).

At the bottom of this page under related documents you can find detailed descriptions and fee schedules for athletic fields and other park facilities available for rent from the City of Fort Walton Beach.

Rates to rental city park fields, courts, pavilions and other facilities can be found here.

Rates to rent fields at the Preston Hood Athletic Complex can be found here.

The Fort Walton Beach Recreation Department has scheduled events and/or leagues throughout the year that take priority over regular facility rental requests.  These priorities are listed below:  

1. City of Fort Walton Beach organized Programs/Events

• Includes all recreation and sports programs that register through the Recreation Department
• City Events such as Concerts in the Park, 4^th of July at the Landing, etc.

2. Programs conducted by other groups or organizations that are co-established with the City of Fort Walton Beach

• Includes events such as the Billy Bowlegs Festival, Musical Echoes, Mayfest, etc.
• Sports Programs such as Emerald Coast Social Sports

3. Travel Tournaments/Rentals that have been multi-year commitments

4. Okaloosa County School Programs

The City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department requires all users of athletic facilities to provide Comprehensive Liability Insurance with $1,000,000 liability limits and naming the City of Fort Walton Beach, 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 as additionally insured.

Providing liability insurance is not required for programs operated by the Parks and Recreation Department or single-use athletic facility rentals by individuals not associated with a user group so long as the group does not exceed 15 individuals.

Accident insurance is required for all youth leagues utilizing athletic facilities. Accident insurance for adult leagues not sponsored or under the direction of the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department is also recommended for all players on the roster.

Lighting is NOT included in the field or facility use permit, but may be available at an additional cost, depending on the facility. See Related Documents at the bottom of this page for a list of city facilities available for rent and the costs.

The City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department secures certain athletic fields to minimize wear and tear on the fields caused by excessive non-reserved use and play.

Pets are NOT permitted on athletic fields and facilities. This includes the Preston Hood Athletic Complex, the Oakland Heights and City Hall athletic fields, and the city’s pickleball facilities at both Holmes Boulevard and Mooney Road.  

Pets ARE allowed at most city parks, provided they are on a leash at all times. Dogs are allowed unleashed in the fenced dog park located at Liza Jackson Park. Signs regarding pets are posted at park entrances. If you have a question about a specific park, please contact the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center at  850-833-9576. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Alcohol consumption is NOT permitted on athletic fields unless an approved permit is issued by the City of Fort Walton Beach.

Be sure that you have your field/facility permit with you. It shows that you have permission to use that field or facility for the stated time and date. If you have any problems, please contact the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at the non-emergency number 850-833-9546.

For special events, please contact the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department at 850-833-9576.

Yes, a rental permit is required to operate all types of instruction at the City of Fort Walton Beach's parks, including, but not limited to, classes, clinics, training and seminars.

The City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department will cancel or suspend field use whenever field conditions or weather conditions could result in injury to the players or damage to the fields. Users can call the Fort Walton Beach Recreation Center at 850-833-9576 Monday through Friday during the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to verify field status.

Fields may NOT be altered. Only Parks and Recreation Department equipment is permitted on athletic fields (ex. tractors, utility vehicles and mat drags). Field alterations are prohibited (no trenches or ditches for irrigation, addition of extra clay, sand, or kitty litter) except as approved by the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation staff.

If the athletic field is not locked, a reservation is not required for you and your child to play catch. If a group shows up with a permit to use that field, you must allow the renters to have the field.

Please contact the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Department at 850-833-9576 to report field maintenance problems.

• Participants must be 3 to 14 years old.
  • They must be 3 on January 1st of current year and cannot be 16 on or before January 1st of the current year.

There are 6 Leagues for Youth Soccer

• 15U Ages 12 and 15
• 12U Ages 11 and 12 
• 10U Ages 9 and 10 
• 8U Ages 7 and 8 
• 6U Ages 5 and 6
• Baby Boomers Ages 3 and 4

In person at the Fort Walton Beach (FWB) Recreation Center
 132 Jet Drive NW
 Phone: 850-833-9576

Monday through Friday
 8 am to 5 pm

Saturday

8am -12pm

• Resident (inside City of FWB city limits): $30
• Non-Resident: $50

If your child has not played any sports for the City of FWB, we will need to verify their date of birth by seeing an official document (birth certificate, shot records, etc.) that provides that date. We do not make a copy and will not need to see it for future registrations.

• There are No Tryouts. Teams will be assigned randomly

Yes! As long as siblings are age-eligible for the same league, they will be placed on the same team.

Practices and games will be located at

• Baby Boomers and 6U: City Hall fields, 168 Coral Dr.
• 8U: Ferry Park, 240 Hughes St. NE
• 10U and 12U: Preston Hood Athletic Complex.
• 15U: Preston Hood Athletic Complex.

Teams usually practice 2 nights a week and possibly Saturday morning prior to league games beginning.

Baby Boomers and 6U games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM at the City Hall fields, 168 Coral Dr.

Typically, there are 8 games scheduled, depending on how many teams we have in the league.

Yes! All of our leagues are CO-ED.

YES! We are always looking for volunteer coaches for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Yes! We are always looking for sponsors for all of our youth sports leagues.

Please inquire at the Recreation Center for further information.

Email: Steven Kraus
Phone: 850-833-9564.