First time visitors are often apprehensive about what they will find, and how people will react and interact with them. RELAX! Naturists are neither voyeurs nor exhibitionists. Rather, they have decided to accept themselves, and others, just as they are.

Nudity is NOT required!
Haulover Beach is clothing-optional. You can wear a swimsuit until you get comfortable. If you find after a while that you are uncomfortable being dressed in the presence of others who are nude -- you’re a Naturist! Take your clothes off and relax.

It’s all about sex, isn’t it?
Not at all. It’s about accepting yourself as you are, and others as they are. Whether a person is 7 or 70, there’s more to them than just the physical body. When the body is completely and freely revealed, there is no increase in purely animal sexual allure, rather the reverse. When the physical form is a given, rather than a speculation, we are free to concentrate more on the inner person in our interactions. It may be counter-intuitive to those who haven’t experienced it themselves, but Naturism is essentially a de-emphasis rather than an emphasis of the body. Needless to say, sexual activity is illegal at Haulover’s Naturist beach, just as it is at any public beach.

People will stare at me
Naturists may look at you; they won’t stare. Naturists aren’t uncomfortable looking at any part of another person’s body. People come in all shapes and sizes, and Naturists just don’t fixate on any particular body parts. They’re more interested in you as a whole person.

I don’t look good nude
If you think that, do you think you will look any better in a swimsuit? If you think you’re overweight, do you think any comfortable swimsuit will make you look thinner than you look nude? If you’re think you’re too thin, do you think any swimsuit will add muscles to your physique?

How do I talk to a naked person?
Exactly the same way you would talk to someone who’s fully clothed. At first, you may find you make an effort to avoid looking at certain parts of a person’s body…. but as you acclimate, you will find that there’s no real difference between our various body parts. If you then glance at a so-called "private" body part, it will be no different than glancing at a person’s hand, belly, or thigh when he or she is dressed in "ordinary" swimwear.

What about gawkers?
There are sometimes a few people who come to a Naturist beach more to view than to participate. That’s their problem, not ours -- unless their behavior is rude and disruptive. If it is, they will be asked to leave by the lifeguards or the police. Most of us are there to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the fellowship of other Naturists at the beach. Just remember: You’re the one with self-confidence and respect for yourself and for your fellow Naturists. The vast majority of your fellow beachgoers are with you. Don’t let anyone spoil the experience for you. Also, not everyone who is not nude at the beach is there to gawk. Some like the atmosphere at Haulover, but prefer not to be nude themselves. Others may be newcomers who need a little time to gain the assurance that it is okay for them to undress.

Naturism has always emphasized family values. Nudist resorts and parks welcome parents with their children. Families enjoying Naturism together are especially prevalent at beaches in many European countries, and families increasingly come with their children to Haulover beach. Because Naturist groups tend to include individuals ranging widely in age and physical characteristics, children are shown that people come in all varieties, and that the inner person is ultimately more important than outward physical appearance.

In a safe and nurturing Naturist environment, children learn to appreciate physical differences between the genders naturally, in the presence and under the guidance of their parents, eliminating the urge to explore this on their own, without proper supervision. No reputable study has shown that Naturism is anything other than beneficial to children in establishing sound psychological adjustment, self-confidence, and social development.There are, however, two important considerations to keep in mind when children are involved:

Zero Tolerance Policy
The Miami-Dade Police, the Haulover lifeguard service, the Haulover Beach Ambassadors, and Haulover’s Naturist beach users will not tolerate sexual predators at Haulover Beach Park.
In cases where sexual activity is directed at minors, or performed in their presence, Florida Statute 800.04 provides for felony criminal penalties of up to 30 years in prison upon conviction.
South Florida Free Beaches/Florida Naturist Association is committed to pursuing the arrest and prosecution of all sexual offenders.

answered by Norma Mitchell

I need to lose at least 20 pounds! Won’t I feel embarrassed because I’m out of shape?
There are always people who are in better and worse shape than us – no matter where we are. However, you’ll find that strangers are often much more accepting of the way we look than we are ourselves. In fact, you’ll usually get absolutely no reaction at all from those around you. Of course, most Americans feel a bit self-conscious their first few minutes at a clothing optional beach! Once you relax into it, you’ll be okay.

What can I do if I receive unwanted attention?
Being at a clothing-optional beach is no different when it comes to handling "mashers." If a man speaks to you (or openly stares) and his attention is unwanted, just tell him you’d appreciate some alone time. If he doesn’t get the hint, don’t be afraid to ask a lifeguard or a beach ambassador (in the blue safari hat) to handle the situation for you. Don’t allow anyone to be rude to you.

If I am having my period, can I still go to the beach?
Sure! It’s not unusual at all to see a woman wearing her bathing suit bottom. If you prefer no tan lines, here’s a tip: just insert your tampon string end up. Sounds strange, but it works!

Is it safe to bring my kids with me?
You should supervise your kids the same way as at any other beach. Kids love to play naked! It’s fun for them to feel the freedom of skinny-dipping. Don’t be surprised if it becomes an opportunity for you to answer some of the natural questions they’ll have about the differences in genders.

I have scars from a couple of operations. Won’t people stare?
Of course you’ll notice differences in bodies. You’ll see amputees, mastectomies, scars from operations and burns, withered limbs and paraplegics. But Naturist etiquette dictates eye contact when you’re speaking to someone. Everyone accepts each other as they are. No one expects you to have a perfect body.

Will I see people having sex on the beach?
People who enjoy nude recreation distinguish between simple nudity and sex. This is a county park and the rules are the same here as on any public property. If you see anyone having sex (even if it’s by themselves) please report it to the lifeguards or beach ambassador. They are committing a lewd act and will be arrested.

answered by Michael Kush

How do I act with my wife, girlfriend, or partner at the beach?
Just like you would in any comparable public setting. Shows of affection — a kiss, a hug, an embrace — are not out of place. But any sexual play or foreplay will not be tolerated by your fellow Naturist beach users, and may lead to your arrest. Remember, families are often present with young children at the beach, making any sexual activity a felony under Florida law.

All the considerations discussed above apply equally and impartially to gay and straight individuals, and to gay and straight couples. SFFB/FNA promotes a policy of no discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, marital status, disability or sexual orientation.

I’m afraid of getting an erection.
This is a common fear with first-time visitors, but one that is drastically exaggerated. Certainly, after the initial adjustment of a first visit, when the cultural bias of associating nudity with sex usually vanishes, it’s something that is almost unheard of. If it should occur, cover up with a towel, lay on your stomach, or go into the water until it subsides.

I’m a single male. Can I meet women at the beach?
The same rules of courtesy apply at a clothing-optional beach as at any other beach. Incessant staring, sitting too close to others without an invitation, voicing rude comments, or making unwelcome advances are totally out of place. Some beach users welcome company; others want to be left alone and are not interested in socializing. Those who have come not to enjoy the beach but solely to make unwelcome advances can be assured of little success and of a strong likelihood that they will be asked to leave by the lifeguards or police if their conduct is offensive to others. Behave with civility and you can’t go wrong. More than a few now-married couples first met at Haulover beach. It is a wonderful place for social encounters, to make new friends, and — sometimes — to find romance. Just remember: as at any public gathering place, friendliness is not necessarily an invitation to romance, and sexual conduct on the beach is both unwelcome to your fellow beach users, and illegal.