Originally Posted by
Jazzop
As a native Floridian, I have never heard of a public beach in the state that prohibits alcohol. As long as you don't have glass on the beach, you should be fine. Just read the posted signs at the logical "entrance" to the beach (e.g., parking lot or wooden walkway over the dunes) to be sure. If EtOH is prohibited at that beach, it will certainly be mentioned on those signs.
I've lived in Fort Myers for three years and have been to many beaches in southwest Florida. Unfortunately, alcohol is banned on most beaches. Having said that, I frequently drink anyway. The key is to be discreet and behave. I have only had one beach patrol officer say anything to me and I was just told to put it away. 99% of the time they ride around on four wheelers. Needless to say, you should never take glass to a beach. Besides being unsafe, it's just asking for trouble.