Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation that reinstates local authority over beach access in Walton County. The new law overturns a 2018 state statute that granted beachfront property owners significant control over shoreline access. The 2018 law was enacted in response to an ordinance passed by the Walton County Commission, which aimed to establish public recreational rights to the county's 26 miles of dry sand beach.
However, the law was met with resistance from influential private property owners, leading to a prolonged court battle. The newly signed legislation aims to streamline the process for establishing customary use ordinances, which allow for public access to dry sand areas above the high tide mark. Under Florida law, areas below the high tide mark are publicly accessible... but ownership of dry sand areas above this line can be disputed.
The issue has sparked intense debate in coastal communities, "where private property borders public beaches." The new law is expected to have far-reaching implications for Florida's economy, "which relies heavily on tourism and beach activities." For more information on this topic... visit USA TODAY for in-depth coverage and analysis.
The legislation, overwhelmingly approved by the House and Senate, repeals a 2018 state law that empowered beachfront property owners, many of whom responded with private property signs closing off miles of Walton County shoreline. "This bill is about restoring local control, cutting red tape and putting our residents first," DeSantis said June 24 at the bill-signing in Santa Rosa Beach.
No comments:
Post a Comment