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Is it legal to go nude on Georgia beaches? Here’s what the law says 

Swimsuits seem to be smaller and smaller every year, with little to no fabric around the chest and bum. So, what would be the harm in going completely nude at the beach, right?

Well, before you go skinny dipping at Georgia beaches or sun bathing in your birthday suit, here’s what to know:

Is it legal to go nude on Georgia beaches?

No, public nudity is not allowed on Georgia beaches or in any public place in the state.

According to the law, it is illegal to display sexual organs in a lewd way in public places. This includes a “state of partial or complete nudity.”

So, even though people are in swim suits that leave little to nothing to the imagination, it is still illegal to go completely nude at the beach.

Certain beaches such as Tybee even have specific rules prohibiting nudity and violators may face jail time or be fined up to $1,000.

Other statewide penalties for breaking public indecency laws include:

  • First and second offense is punished with a misdemeanor

  • Third and subsequent offenses will be considered a felony with jail time between one and five years

So, where can you go nude?

Well, it may be pretty obvious, but you can go skinny dipping or bask in the nude on your own private property. In addition, there are several nudist resorts in the state that are totally clothes optional.

Do you have more law questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.

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Chelsea Madden
The Telegraph
Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.
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