Okaloosa County · Emerald Coast · Gulf Coast
Is it safe to swim at Okaloosa Island Beach today?
Latest DOH sample is GOOD
The latest Florida DOH sample at Okaloosa Island Beach measured 10 CFU/100mL, which is in the good range. That is a positive sign, but it is still a sample from Monday, May 11, 2026 rather than a live reading.
Latest sample on page
Monday, May 11, 2026
This is the latest DOH beach-water sample we found for Okaloosa Island Beach.
Bacteria reading
10 CFU/100mL
The EPA beach action value is 70.5 CFU/100mL. Lower is better.
12-month risk context
8% poor results
Use the current sample first, then use the 12-month track record as context.
This page helps you make a better beach decision, not just read a badge. If it has rained heavily since Monday, May 11, 2026, lean conservative even if the latest sample looks fine.
Start with the sample date
The number on this page is only as fresh as the last sample. If the date feels old for your trip, be more skeptical.
Use history as a tie-breaker
Two beaches can both look good today, but the one with fewer past spikes is usually the safer bet on an uncertain weather day.
Rain beats the badge
Stormwater runoff can change conditions faster than Florida's routine testing schedule, especially near inlets, canals, and urban drains.
Okaloosa Island Beach beach conditions and water quality today
If you searched for Okaloosa Island Beach water quality or beach conditions today, the latest Florida DOH sample shown on this page is 10 CFU/100mL from Monday, May 11, 2026. This site currently classifies that sample as GOOD.
Latest sample on this page: Monday, May 11, 2026
This sample is 2 days older than the freshest update currently on this site.
How Okaloosa Island Beach compares nearby today
Okaloosa Island Beach currently ranks #4 of 4 monitored nearby beaches on this page based on current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
If you want the stronger backup right now, compare Destin Beach first.
Compare Okaloosa Island Beach with Destin BeachYour best next step from this page
Compare Destin Beach next
Destin Beach currently looks like the stronger nearby alternative on this page.
Use Okaloosa County as your local backup map
Okaloosa Island Beach currently ranks #4 of 4 monitored beaches in Okaloosa County by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness. Use the county page to compare the rest of the local beaches in one place.
Plan from Destin
If you are deciding from a city trip, the city guide makes it easier to compare distance, current status, and fallback options together.
Use the right page for the decision you're making
These deeper views help when you need more than the same-day badge.
Track record
Open Okaloosa Island Beach history
Use this when today's badge looks okay but you want to confirm that Okaloosa Island Beach is usually one of the steadier options.
Backup plan
Compare Destin Beach and other backups
Use this first if Okaloosa Island Beach gives you pause and you want the strongest nearby alternative ranked by current status, risk history, and distance.
Weather risk
Use the after-rain view for Okaloosa Island Beach
This sample is already 2 days behind the freshest site data. If rain hit after this sample, start with the stricter after-rain view.
Warning signs
Check recent spikes before you go
Use this to see how recent the warning signs are. The displayed history still includes a poor sample on December 30.
Historically one of the steadier options
Okaloosa Island Beach has a strong 12-month track record in this dataset. That makes a dry-weather good sample more reassuring, but it still does not override recent rain, runoff, or brown water.
Most recent poor sample shown here: December 30, 2025 (96 CFU/100mL)
Freshest sample anywhere on this site: May 13, 2026
Sample source details
- Source station
- Brackin WAYSIDE PARK
- Station ID
- 40901
- Data source
- Florida DOH Healthy Beaches Program via Water Atlas API
Monitoring station names can differ from beach signs or local nicknames. Use this source detail when you want to match the page back to the underlying Florida DOH sample record.
Water Quality History — Last 12 Months
Values in CFU/100mL. Green = Good (≤35.4), Yellow = Moderate (35.5–70.4), Red = Poor (≥70.5)
If it rained recently, treat this page as stale faster
Florida DOH testing is routine, not continuous. Heavy rain can push bacteria higher through runoff before the next posted sample catches it. For Okaloosa Island Beach, wait at least 72 hours after heavy rain and be extra careful around inlets, canals, storm drains, or brown water. Read the rain guide.
About Okaloosa Island Beach
A family-friendly beach on the east side of Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island features a fishing pier, boardwalk, and less crowded shores than Destin.
Where Okaloosa Island Beach sits in Okaloosa County
Okaloosa Island Beach currently ranks #4 of 4 monitored beaches in Okaloosa County by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
Compare with Destin BeachWhere Okaloosa Island Beach sits in Emerald Coast
Okaloosa Island Beach currently ranks #6 of 6 monitored beaches in the Emerald Coast group by current status, 12-month risk, and sample freshness.
Compare with Destin BeachKeep Exploring This Coastline
Use the county, regional, and city guide pages to compare more beaches before you commit to one stop.
Compare Nearby Beaches Before You Go
These nearby beaches are sorted by current status, historical spike rate, and sample recency so you can compare backup options before you drive.
Read Before You Go
Is It Safe to Swim After Rain?
Wait times, runoff risk, and when to skip the water
Understanding Advisories
What the badges, thresholds, and warnings really mean
Cleanest Beaches in Florida
Compare the strongest historical track records
Clearest Water Beaches in Florida
Use this when postcard-clear water is part of your decision too
How Bacteria Testing Works
How sampling works and why “latest” is not the same as live
Disclaimer: Water quality data is sourced from the Florida Department of Health Healthy Beaches Program. Conditions can change rapidly. This website provides informational guidance only — always check with Florida DOH for official beach conditions. Safe to Swim Florida is an independent project and is not affiliated with any government agency.