US Edition
Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill Addressing Public Beach Access in Walton County
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1622 on June 24 in Santa Rosa Beach, repealing the 2018 customary use law affecting Walton County beaches.
- The 2018 law, enacted under former Gov. Rick Scott, restricted local governments from approving beach access ordinances without costly judicial approval.
- SB 1622 restores the ability of local governments to establish policies that acknowledge traditional recreational activities such as walking and fishing on beaches, while also streamlining procedures to support beach nourishment and erosion control projects.
- Sen. Jay Trumbull highlighted that 17 miles of Walton County's 26 miles of beach remain uncertain in status and emphasized that because these beaches are vital to roughly 80% of the local economy, the issue extends beyond legal concerns to impact the entire community.
- The law aims to expand public beach access, support tourism-dependent jobs, reduce legal barriers, and balance residents' and homeowners' rights immediately.
28 Articles
28 Articles
The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, signed on Tuesday SB 1622, a law that eliminates a rule that required local authorities to follow certain legal steps when they wanted to allow customary recreational public use of beaches and expedites their restoration efforts in certain counties.What SB 1622 says of Florida and when it comes into force SB 1622 states that counties and cities can re-adopt ordinances that recognize customary recreational u…
DeSantis Signs 'Customary Use' Bill Securing Public Beach Access, a Step Flagler County Took in 2018
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a bill reversing a controversial 2018 law that led to limited public beach access in some areas. Lawmakers in April passed the bill (SB 1622) after widespread complaints about waterfront property owners in Walton County preventing people from using beaches. Flagler County was ahead of the curve. Beating a deadline, and at the urging--and orchestration--of County Attorney Al Hadeed, the Flagler County Commissio…
The Center Square
The CapitolistDeSantis signs bill into law that ensures public access to Florida beaches
(The Center Square) – With one signature by Gov. Ron DeSantis, visitors to Florida will no longer have to worry about potential trespassing charges for walking on the beach.
Controversial 2018 law that limited public beach access in Walton County is repealed
Fort Walton Beach (Photo from Visit Florida)Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Tuesday that repeals a 2018 law that opponents argued limited public beach access in Walton County in northwest Florida. Appearing in Santa Rosa Beach with emerald gulf waters behind him, the governor said SB 1622 returns to local governments decision-making about recreational access to the dry sand areas of Florida beaches. “This bill is about restoring local control, c…
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