In a bold move that local residents are calling long overdue, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Senate Bill 1622, effectively restoring public access to miles of sandy coastline in Walton County. As Shelby Pay of WMBB News 13 reported, the new law repeals a controversial 2018 statute that allowed private control over sections of dry sand beaches. The signing took place in Santa Rosa Beach, the epicenter of the beach access debate.
DeSantis described the change as a win for families, communities, and Florida’s cultural identity. “This bill is about restoring local control, cutting legal red tape, and putting our residents first,” he said during the press conference.
Repealing a Law That Turned Neighbors Into Trespassers
The law SB 1622 repeals made headlines back in 2018 for blocking local governments from affirming “customary use” of dry sand areas on beaches – meaning that ordinary people could suddenly be charged with trespassing on shores they’d walked for generations. DeSantis acknowledged he wasn’t in office when that law passed but had heard loud and clear from Walton County residents during his 2018 campaign that it had disrupted everyday life.
According to Governor DeSantis, “People who had walked the same stretch of dry beach for generations were being told they were trespassing.” He said that returning control to the local level is the best way to ensure fair access while still respecting private property rights.
What the New Law Actually Does
Importantly, SB 1622 doesn’t erase all private property rights or nullify existing legal settlements from 2018–2024. Instead, it removes the state-level roadblocks that prevented cities and counties from passing their own customary use ordinances. This means local governments can now affirm public beach access without going through a costly, parcel-by-parcel court process.
Alexis Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, explained: “This bill clarifies how local governments can set beach use rules without unnecessary red tape.” She added that it also helps streamline erosion control projects that are vital to maintaining Florida’s coastline.
Boosting Renourishment and Coastal Protection
One of the bill’s most immediate effects is how it opens the door for beach renourishment, a process where sand and vegetation are restored to fight erosion. Walton County has $60 million in renourishment funds, with another $60 million in matching federal dollars, and now has far fewer bureaucratic hoops to jump through.
DeSantis noted that over his tenure as governor, Florida has invested nearly $600 million in beach restoration, especially in areas hit by hurricanes. “Our beaches are not only economic drivers – they’re part of our identity as Floridians,” he said.
Local Voices Praise the Change
Senator Jay Trumbull, who sponsored the bill, said the legislation is about more than policy: “It’s about families. It’s about tradition. It’s about restoring something that never should have been taken away in the first place.” He shared how locals were blindsided when they were suddenly told they couldn’t walk the same beaches they had enjoyed for decades.
Fellow lawmakers, including Representative Shane Abbott, echoed that message. Abbott emphasized that this wasn’t just a legal issue – it was a cultural and economic crisis. “As these beaches go, so does the county’s livelihood,” he said.
A Community Torn, Then Brought Together
John Dillard, a longtime Walton County resident, delivered one of the most emotional testimonies of the day. “Our beaches became microscopes, not kaleidoscopes,” he said, referencing the security guards and private beach signs that divided the community. Dillard had been a vocal advocate, helping lead peaceful protests and petition efforts.
He thanked thousands of citizens who sent letters, emails, and calls to Tallahassee and to DeSantis’s office. “Today, we get a mulligan,” he said, calling this a “do-over” for the community. He offered beachfront property owners an olive branch, assuring them their property rights are preserved and asking them to consider reducing signage and security patrols to promote shared enjoyment.
Balancing Rights and Restoring Trust
A key theme from all speakers was balance: respecting private property while reestablishing the public’s right to access shared natural spaces. Governor DeSantis emphasized that this bill does not redraw property lines, nor does it infringe on any legally recognized rights. It simply makes it easier for communities to decide how best to manage the beaches that support their economies and cultures.
Lambert added, “This means stronger, healthier beaches, clearer access, and a balance between public enjoyment and private property rights.” This nuance helped the bill pass unanimously in the Florida House, with only two dissenting votes in the Senate.
A Massive Economic Ripple Effect
Tourism is the beating heart of Walton County, and restricted beach access had started to hurt. Rentals dropped, businesses struggled, and longtime visitors were left confused about where they were allowed to sit. One lawmaker said, “80% of your economy relies on these beautiful beaches.”
By enabling renourishment and expanding public access, SB 1622 is expected to revitalize local tourism, bringing back both dollars and goodwill. As Shelby Pay reported, even the Army Corps of Engineers is already conducting surveys to fast-track permit approvals for new renourishment projects.
DeSantis: “Leave It Better Than You Found It”
Throughout his remarks, DeSantis framed this bill as part of his broader stewardship philosophy. “You want to be good stewards of what God’s given us,” he said. “When your time is up, you’ve left it better than you found it.” That message resonated deeply in a region where people depend on natural resources for both livelihood and identity.
The governor also teased future plans for property tax reform, hinting at a possible 2026 ballot initiative that could eliminate property taxes for primary residences. But for now, the focus is on beaches – and this win, he said, was a long time coming.
A Real-World Win for Everyday People
In a time when politics often feels abstract or symbolic, this bill is tangible. People who had been ticketed or shouted off the beach can now return without fear. Children can toss footballs and build sandcastles where their parents once did. And importantly, the law doesn’t bulldoze private property rights – it works around them with care.
This is the kind of pragmatic compromise that more states should emulate: protect what’s sacred, but don’t suffocate community traditions. Whether you’re a beachfront homeowner or a visiting family from Georgia, Florida’s beaches are once again a place where everyone feels welcome.
Looking Ahead: Renourishment Is Just the Start
The message from legislators and community leaders was clear: passing this bill was only the beginning. Surveys, mapping, and restoration must follow. That work will fall largely to Walton County officials and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. But they now have the legal tools and political momentum to get the job done.
As Dillard put it, “Renourishment, renourishment, renourishment.” The real work begins now, and it’s a rare thing to say in today’s politics, but in this case, every side came away with something to be proud of.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.