Sand dollars, flattened, disc-shaped marine creatures, are found along Florida’s coastlines. They are a type of burrowing sea urchin. Their unique skeletal remains, marked with a star-shaped pattern, make them popular finds for beachcombers. They are a significant part of the marine ecosystem.
Prime Locations for Finding Sand Dollars in Florida
Florida offers numerous opportunities for finding sand dollars, particularly along its Gulf Coast. This region, known for its calm, shallow waters and extensive sandy bottoms, provides an ideal habitat for these marine invertebrates. Sanibel Island is widely recognized as a premier shelling destination, where sand dollars frequently wash ashore due to its unique geographical orientation.
Gulf Coast locations include:
Honeymoon Island
Caladesi Island State Park
Clearwater Beach
Siesta Key
Captiva Island
Anna Maria Island
Marco Island (including Tigertail Beach and Sand Dollar Spit)
Fort De Soto State Park’s Sand Dollar Island
Beaches in Destin, Panama City Beach, Seaside, and Grayton Beach (especially around the second sandbar)
The Atlantic Coast of Florida also presents opportunities, though less consistently than the Gulf.
Atlantic Coast locations include:
Amelia Island (including Fernandina Beach and Little Talbot Island State Park)
Jupiter Island
Juno Beach
Daytona Beach
Canaveral National Seashore
The shoreline between Melbourne Beach and Sebastian Inlet
Searching during low tide and after storms increases the chances of finding sand dollars, as these conditions expose or wash more specimens ashore.
Identifying and Collecting Sand Dollars Responsibly
Distinguishing between a live sand dollar and a dead one is important for responsible beachcombing. Live sand dollars are typically found in the water or partially buried in wet sand, exhibiting colors ranging from dark gray, brown, or purplish to green. Their surface is covered with tiny, velvety spines (cilia) that move, facilitating their burrowing and feeding. If gently held, a live sand dollar may show movement of these spines or secrete a yellowish substance called echinochrome.
In contrast, a dead sand dollar, the only type recommended for collection, is bleached white or tan by the sun and has no movement or visible spines. These are often found washed up higher on the beach, well above the water line.
Collecting live sand dollars is discouraged and can be illegal in many parts of Florida, with potential fines. Return any live sand dollar found on the shore gently to the water.
Caring for Your Sand Dollar Discoveries
Once you have ethically collected a dead sand dollar, proper cleaning and preservation are necessary to maintain its delicate structure. Begin by gently rinsing the sand dollar under fresh water to remove any lingering sand or debris. If there is an odor, soaking the sand dollar in fresh water for several hours or overnight, changing the water until it remains clear, can help eliminate it.
To achieve the classic white appearance and further sanitize the specimen, a diluted bleach solution can be used. A mixture of equal parts water and household bleach, soaking the sand dollar for approximately 10 minutes, is effective. Alternatively, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can provide a gentler, bleach-free cleaning.
After soaking, rinse the sand dollar thoroughly under fresh water to remove all chemical residue, then allow it to air dry completely, preferably in the sun. To strengthen the fragile skeleton and prevent breakage, apply a thin coat of a 1:1 mixture of white school glue and water using a soft paintbrush, allowing it to dry fully before handling or displaying.