Can I take a sand dollar from the beach?

Live sand dollars will have a greenish or reddish brown color with a velvety coating. Dead sand dollars will be gray. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution, and put the sand dollar back in the water. It's illegal to remove a live sand dollar from the beach.



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If you find a live one, return it to its home by placing it gently on the sea floor, so it can continue to play its important role in Sanibel's ecosystem. These dead sand dollars have been bleached by the sun and are fine to take home and enjoy. Be careful when transporting them, they are fragile!

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While it is pretty rare to find a sand dollar on the beach, sand dollars live on the ocean floor in colonies. Hundreds can live together in just a few square feet. Sand dollars spend much of their lives standing on end, using their spines to grab tiny things to eat as they float by.

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In addition to their religious symbolism, Sand Dollar represents wealth and abundance. Their delicate, intricately patterned shells are considered lucky finds. Overall, they signify transformation, rebirth, prosperity, spiritual growth, and awakening.

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In most states, taking a living sand dollar from the beach is illegal. However, laws vary about collecting a dead sand dollar. It's best to check for signs at the beach, look at your state laws online or ask a lifeguard or warden working at the beach.

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Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach are two beaches in particular known for having an abundance of sand dollars, making them great destinations to put on your bucket list.

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