US EditionGov. DeSantis Signs Bill Addressing Public Beach Access in Walton County
WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA, JUN 24 – Senate Bill 1622 restores local governments' power to allow public recreational use of beaches and allocates $60 million for beach renourishment in Walton County, where tourism drives 80% of the economy.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1622 on Tuesday in Santa Rosa Beach to repeal the 2018 customary use law affecting Walton County beaches.
- The 2018 law, signed by former Governor Rick Scott, blocked local governments from affirming public recreational beach access without costly judicial approval, causing ongoing community conflict.
- The repeal restores local governments' ability to establish policies that acknowledge traditional recreational activities such as walking and fishing on beaches without needing court approval, while also supporting efforts to manage and reduce beach erosion.
- Senator Jay Trumbull emphasized that the legislation goes beyond just policy and focuses on preserving family traditions, highlighting that 80% of the state's economy is tied to its beaches. Meanwhile, Governor DeSantis described the beaches as a valuable resource for Florida.
- The new law aims to expand public beach access, simplify restoration projects, and balance private property rights with traditional community use, with immediate effect.
30 Articles
30 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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