A Hypothetical Treasure Recovery on the Beach

[Minelab Pirate]

I have a hypothetical situation I would like to share, based on a conversation with a girlfriend of mine in Florida. Let’s say she had a Fossil Permit and was snorkeling just off the beach inside an area covered by the Florida Historical Resources Act. As she dives, she finds a handful of gold and silver coins, most likely from a shipwreck offshore

She is no stranger to treasure hunting. In fact, she has a metal detecting channel on social media, and makes a few hundred dollars from it every couple of months. She knows there is going to be some questions about these coins, and if the state investigates she could not only have them confiscated, she might have to go to jail and pay a hefty fine.

After some thought she decides to plant them in the dry sand on a beach – where it would be perfectly legal to find them, and film herself digging them up, not only document where they were found, but also make a bit more money from clicks on her social media accounts.

I told her I thought it would work. What do YOU think?

 

[Dancer]

Well once the Cat's out of the bag. If she would ever get in that situation and wants to keep the coins, it's "Tell No One" not even you. The government will get their share, down the line somewhere. In taxes. But, on the other hand ?

 

[u2robert]

Anything found in the water off of Florida's coastline is the states or whoever owns the lease for that grid.
The only thing the public can keep is what's found from the shoreline to the dune line
And that is tricky with the tide going in and out
PS The State of Florida has no sense of humor.

 

[Confetrit]

I have a hypothetical situation I would like to share, based on a conversation with a girlfriend of mine in Florida. Let’s say she had a Fossil Permit and was snorkeling just off the beach inside an area covered by the Florida Historical Resources Act. As she dives, she finds a handful of gold and silver coins, most likely from a shipwreck offshore

She is no stranger to treasure hunting. In fact, she has a metal detecting channel on social media, and makes a few hundred dollars from it every couple of months. She knows there is going to be some questions about these coins, and if the state investigates she could not only have them confiscated, she might have to go to jail and pay a hefty fine.

After some thought she decides to plant them in the dry sand on a beach – where it would be perfectly legal to find them, and film herself digging them up, not only document where they were found, but also make a bit more money from clicks on her social media accounts.

I told her I thought it would work. What do YOU think?

Does your girlfriend happen to be S.D.? The old saying " Finders, Keepers, Losers Weepers". Also, "Loose Lips Sink Ships".

 

[Flintstone]

I think if it was me, i would find one at a time in other states, Go on vac. and wooho i just found a gold coin. anyone can do that. Good Luck,

 

[bootyhoundpa]

finds of pirate silver and gold are best left untold….

 

[Missouri -- Ma Betty]

Anything found in the water off of Florida's coastline is the states or whoever owns the lease for that grid.
The only thing the public can keep is what's found from the shoreline to the dune line
And that is tricky with the tide going in and out
PS The State of Florida has no sense of humor.

Starting out with a LIE is never a good start--sure hope this is HYPOTHETICAL & if it should happen --tell the truth in the first place or otherwise tell no one not even yourself as it was all a dream that sure looked real!  Ma

 

[u2robert]

Also if you find a artifact on the beach with historical significants the State will confiscate it
But they will pay you the going rate for it so they say

 

[Confetrit]

Also if you find a artifact on the beach with historical significants the State will confiscate it
But they will pay you the going rate for it so they say

Yeah,.........right.

 

[fwcrawford]

In my opinion, once you tell a lie, you will keep telling lies.
I simply would keep it a secret myself.
I would certainly not publicize it.

 

[Draco]

Keeping your mouth shut is the best option

 

[dewcon4414]

Let me see .... she was hunting in an area she knew was illegal...... then she attempts to defraud the government..... and make gain from that by pretending she dug them to put on her channel. Shes not doing much for this hobby .... thats my opinion. Honesty might net her less cash...... but there is a lot of recognition in these kind of finds even if it goes into a museum and does a lot of good for the hobby.

 

[autopilot42]

If you are in question of the legality of metal detecting call the local pd or sheriff. They have always been responsive and totally cool about my inquiries. It is just a phone call. They have all said just use and respect and leave it like you found it. Easy enough . Or they say you can not and respect that.

 

[Minelab Pirate]