Copied the discussion below from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page. I thought it would be of equal value here!

Hello All, Does anyone have the proper procedure to stay at the Ft. Walton City dock.
Thanks,
Joe & Jamie Schwartzott
MV Lady Lee

You have to check in with the city manager's office before 5:00 pm at  850-833-9500.
Search "Ft. Walton dock" on the forums and you will find several posts about the dock.  Perhaps the most helpful is one from Chuck Gorgen on ODYSSEE posted November 27, 2007.  In case you have trouble with the search, here is the gist of his post:
"We stopped at the Fort Walton Beach town dock at MM 222.6 on the GICW, 0.4 miles before you get to the bridge, north of R8.  There are three usable 45' slips, one 35' slip, and 100' of face dock  to tie to, and free water and pump out, in about 6 1/2' of water.  There is a city park with a gazebo and an emergency launch ramp.  Library is across the street, Publix is less than 2 blocks to the east, and there is a town trolley that operates up and down the main drag.  You are required to check in with the city manager before 5:00 PM to get permission and notify the police that you are here.  Call
850-833-9500.  GREAT STOP!"
It is worth every penny (free)!
Bill

We agree the Ft. Walton dock is super.  The only problem we encountered is that if you arrive there on Saturday or Sunday when the town manager's office is closed it isn't quite as simple.  We arrived
about a month ago, called the office, and since it was closed we talked to someone else.  I'm not sure who, but I thought it was the police.  Anyway I was told that only the manager could give
permission.  When I asked if we could get permission from someone else since she wasn't there, I was told no.  I then asked what would happen if we did and the reply was we would get a ticket.  Anyway we stayed, enjoyed the town and left early the next day.
If you'll arrive on the weekend, Try to call on Friday so you don'thave that uncomfortable feeling all night.  Enjoy your stay!
Mary

Three of us Loopers (C-Life, Wanderin' L&M, and Bella Luna) stayed at Ft.  Walton City Dock on Friday after Thanksgiving.  I called the number listed in Skipper Bob, I don't have that number with me, but the police dispatcher answered.  I requested permission to stay at the dock and he responded that he would get permission from his Capt. and call me right back.  He called back shortly and said permission granted and to have a great evening. Several police cars patrolled the area that evening, and a city worker came down to check the pumpout on Saturday morning, which he said that they do every morning.  We had a pleasant stay.
Robert & Kay Creech