Walton County Businesses Hope New Beach Access Law Will Boost Tourism

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida - With the ink barely dry on Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature, the recently passed Senate Bill 1622 is stirring quite the conversation among Walton County locals. As of June 25, 2025, business owners and residents alike are buzzing with reactions to this new legislation, which aims to enhance public beach access across Florida. The bill comes at a crucial time, particularly for local businesses that rely heavily on the tourism industry, which is foundational to the area’s economy.

As many as 95% of visitors to Walton County prioritize beach activities, according to a 2024 Spring tourism report. This statistic really underscores the necessity for accessible beaches; if tourists can’t access them, local businesses may struggle to thrive. Jay Hale, who owns Jambos Italian Lemonade situated near a beach access point, shared optimism surrounding the bill’s potential impact. “Beaches should be accessible to everyone,” he remarked, keen to attract more customers to his establishment. Meanwhile, Abby Gonzalez, manager of Blue Mountain Beach Creamery, noted that a staggering 95% of their clientele are tourists. She believes that improved public access will likely lead to a significant boost in sales for her ice cream shop.

Impact on Local Business

Both Hale and Gonzalez, along with other business owners in the area, are looking forward to a surge in foot traffic, hoping this new law will pave the way for more visitors to their establishments. Walton County commissioners are also excited by the bill’s passage, expressing a collective aim to create a standardized approach to public beach access. County Attorney Adkinson has underlined the importance of marking the erosion control line to enforce the new rules effectively.

Speaking to broader implications, the legislation has drawn attention statewide. As WLRN reports, this law aims to restore local control by repealing previous requirements for judicial processes to designate higher „dry sand“ areas as publicly accessible. Before this bill, tensions ran high between property owners and beachgoers who felt they were being told they were trespassing on beaches that had been accessible for generations. Senator Jay Trumbull, one of the prominent sponsors of the bill, highlighted these unfair exclusions, indicating that the law helps balance long-held community traditions with property rights.

Beach Restoration Initiatives

Governor DeSantis signed SB 1622 into law in Santa Rosa Beach, reinforcing local authority to recognize recreational customary use, such as walking, fishing, and swimming, without hefty judicial intervention. This change also streamlines beach restoration efforts, specifically in smaller Gulf Coast counties, allowing them to adopt ordinances that facilitate better beach access and condition. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now empowered to expedite restoration efforts in areas declared critically eroded, further supporting the state’s commitment to maintaining its beautiful beaches.

In a broader context, Florida’s beaches are no small matter. They generate over $50 billion annually from tourism and support an impressive 900,000 jobs in the process. Since 2019, upwards of $550 million has been earmarked for beach renourishment, a testament to the state’s dedication to preserving its coastal gems. This year alone, an additional $53 million has been allocated to bolster shorelines following recent hurricanes.

As Walton County embraces these changes, the coming months will reveal how successfully the new legislation influences both public beach access and local businesses. For many, the new law represents more than just policy; it symbolizes the spirit of community and the enduring allure of Florida’s irresistible beaches. Only time will tell how these adjustments will unfold, but there’s certainly a wave of optimism sweeping through the region.