TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a bill that would repeal a 2018 law governing how local governments establish public use of beaches.
DeSantis signed the bill, FL SB1622 (25R), in Walton County repealing the law that critics said emboldened property owners to put up no-trespassing signs and order visitors off beaches.
The 2018 law repealed a Walton County ordinance establishing public access based across much of its coastline. The new state law required local governments to seek review by courts before establishing access based on the judicial doctrine of “customary use.”
DeSantis said the bill he was signing ends the requirement for a “convoluted process” that burdened local governments while also protecting private property rights. The bill takes effect with the governor’s signature.
