DeSantis Restores Public Beach Access: New Law Empowers Walton County!

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, USA - On June 24, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis made headlines as he signed a bill that repeals the 2018 „customary use“ law, which had been known for limiting public access to Florida’s private beaches. This crucial legislation, enacted in Santa Rosa Beach, marks a significant shift in the management of coastal access, especially for areas like Walton County, where the balance between public enjoyment and private rights has been a hot topic.

The newly signed Senate Bill 1622 navigates uncharted waters by restoring local decision-making authority on beach access matters. Under the previous law, local governments found their hands tied, unable to enforce ordinances that could ensure public access to dry sand areas along privately owned beaches. With this repeal, the door is now wide open for community control, which Governor DeSantis emphasizes will benefit residents and bolster tourism-driven economies. He stated, “This new law balances public access with private property rights and aids in restoration projects” (WCTV).

The Local Impact

Walton County is particularly affected by this new legislation, as it boasts only nine of its 26 miles of beach as public. For years, local residents and businesses felt the pinch as restrictions made beach access a tricky affair. The prior law had voided Walton County’s customary use ordinance, adopted in 2016, which had previously allowed public access to these sandy stretches. Senator Jay Trumbull, who sponsored the repeal, pointed out that it is not just about leisure—it’s about jobs, small businesses, and fostering a vibrant community spirit in coastal towns (WUWFR).

If there’s one thing that became clear in the discussions leading to this repeal, it’s that the local economy can’t afford to be hemmed in by legal restrictions. A report indicated that businesses saw a significant drop in beach rentals due to the previous limitations (Tallahassee.com)—and that’s a blow no community can sustain. John Dillard, a resident who founded the Save Our Beaches group, expressed heartfelt gratitude over the new bill, calling for the reduction of security and prohibitive signage on private properties.

Legal Changes and Future Considerations

The 2018 legislation was heavily influenced by private property owners who successfully lobbied against the possibility of more accessible beaches. It mandated public hearings and a judicial review for any new customary use ordinance, making it all the more difficult for local governments to take the reins in managing beach access. Now, with the repeal in place, Walton County’s Commission can consider developing a new ordinance that could potentially reestablish public access to beaches. Walton County Attorney Clay Adkinson has remarked on the necessity of crafting a consistent approach in overseeing public beach access—an essential goal for maintaining both residents‘ rights and visitor satisfaction.

Supporters of the repeal believe that easing these restrictions will rejuvenate not just economic conditions but social dynamics as well. With the law taking effect immediately, residents and tourists alike can look forward to a more open and inviting coastline.

The new legislation symbolizes a pivotal moment for beach access in Florida, where there is, after all, something to be said for sharing the sunshine and serenity of our beautiful shores. This change resonates not only within Walton County but across coastal communities eager to embrace the benefits of public access to their beaches.