TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The state House on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill that would repeal a 2018 law critics said restricted public access to beaches.
Details: The bill repeals a controversial measure signed by then-Gov. Rick Scott that overturned Walton County’s designation of “customary use” public access on more than 1,000 parcels of beachfront property.
The 2018 law also required local governments to seek judicial approval of such public beach designations in the future. After the vote, critics of the 2018 law said the new measure, SB 1622, will restore access rights for beachgoers who they argue have been bullied by property owners.
“Our new legislation gives our community leaders a new beginning and a new invitation to those across America who fought to free our beaches,” said John Dillard, an accountant and founder of the Save Our Beaches group in Walton County.
