The Future of Our Beaches
Customary Use, Legislation, and What It Means for Walton County
If you’ve lived in Walton County long enough, you know our beaches are more than just pretty postcards — they are part of who we are. The right to walk, sit, fish, and celebrate life on the sand has long been understood as something we all share. That understanding, calledcustomary use, has been at the heart of life along 30A and beyond.
But in 2018, a Florida law (HB 631) complicated that relationship. Suddenly, access to much of what we considered “our” beaches was put into question. Local governments, including ours, were stripped of the power to defend customary use without first navigating a lengthy — and expensive — court battle.
In a community built on tourism, outdoor living, and shared spaces, that shift wasn’t just a legal technicality. It rippled through neighborhoods, sparked court cases, and left many wondering what the future would hold.
Now, real change could be on the horizon.
Earlier this year, State Senator Jay Trumbull introducedSenate Bill 1622, designed to repeal parts of the 2018 law and restore the power of local governments — including Walton County — to recognize customary use without having to sue for it.
Supporters of the bill argue it’s about preserving the culture and economy of communities like ours. After all, when visitors and locals can freely enjoy our natural spaces, everyone benefits — from small businesses to property values to the spirit of community itself. Opponents of the bill, however, point to private property rights, legal precedent, and the challenges of balancing public good with individual ownership.
As of late April, the Florida Senate passed SB 1622 by an overwhelming 38–2 margin. The bill now moves to the Florida House of Representatives. If it passes there — and is signed by Governor Ron DeSantis — it could mark a major shift in how beach access is managed, not just in Walton County but across the state.
Why does this matter to us?
Because the beaches are not just scenery. They are a living, breathing part of our economy, our traditions, and our sense of home. Protecting fair, thoughtful access is about preserving something deeper than a view — it’s about keeping our community connected, sustainable, and resilient.
Whether you’re a lifelong local, a new resident, or a visitor who fell in love with these shores, it’s worth paying attention. The future of our beaches is, quite literally, in the balance.
Dine + Dive: A Night to Celebrate Art and Ocean Conservation
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6 – 9 p.m. forDine + Dive, an evening that will tantalize all the senses while supporting the nation’s first Underwater Museum of Art. This elevated fine art, food, and wine event brings together the best of South Walton’s culinary scene with tasting stations from beloved local restaurants, carefully curated wine pairings, and asilent auction featuring incredible art pieces.
And what’s a celebration without music? HeadlinersJ & The Causeways will keep the energy high all evening long. Plus, there’s a full cash bar with specialty cocktails, ensuring that every sip you take supports the next round of breathtaking sculptures joining the UMA in itsseventh deployment.
