Florida Governor DeSantis Signs Law Restoring Public Beach Access, Expediting Gulf Coast Restoration

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1622, repealing a 2018 law that restricted public access to privately owned beaches in Florida, particularly impacting Walton County's 26 miles of coastline. The new legislation restores local governments' authority to recognize recreational customary use of beaches, allowing activities like walking, fishing, sunbathing, and swimming without requiring costly judicial approval. This change aims to balance public beach access with private property rights while facilitating beach restoration efforts, especially in smaller Gulf Coast counties. DeSantis emphasized the importance of Florida's beaches for tourism and the economy, noting that the state has invested over $550 million in beach renourishment since 2019. Senator Jay Trumbull highlighted that public access to beaches is not just a legal issue but a community and economic priority for areas reliant on tourism. The law also streamlines restoration projects by reducing duplicative procedures, allowing quicker response to erosion and hurricane damage.