NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)September 4, 2026Hillsborough
Walton County beach access dispute between private homeowners and the public
A decade-long legal and social conflict in Walton County continues over whether the public has the right to use dry sand areas on private beachfront property. The dispute involves competing claims between homeowners asserting private property rights and activists advocating for traditional public access, leading to ongoing litigation and law enforcement intervention.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)Why It Matters
Residents and visitors face uncertainty regarding where they can legally set up beach equipment, as property lines and public access rights remain inconsistently defined across the county's 26 miles of shoreline.
Key Facts
- Walton County has 26 miles of shoreline.
- The county's population has more than doubled since 2000.
- Walton County beaches hosted over 4.5 million visitors last year.
- The Florida Legislature passed a law in 2018 requiring the county to sue landowners to prove 'customary use' of beaches.
- The 2018 law was repealed by the Florida Legislature last year.
- Walton County previously passed a customary-use ordinance to declare public rights to traditionally used beaches.
- Some landowners have filed 'quiet title' lawsuits to legally claim ownership of the sand behind their homes.
- Sheriff Michael Adkinson Jr. reports an increase in calls regarding beach disputes but notes no arrests for trespassing on the beach in the last decade.
- Brian Littrell has filed a lawsuit against the Sheriff for not enforcing trespassing laws.
- A grassroots campaign is seeking a state constitutional amendment to guarantee public beach access from the dune line to the water.
Who's Mentioned
personEric Wilhelm“A beachfront property owner and entrepreneur.”personMike Huckabee“Former Arkansas Governor and beachfront property owner.”personSara Day“Beach activist and creator of the Shoreline Defender app.”personBrian Littrell“Backstreet Boys member and beachfront property owner.”personMichael Adkinson Jr.“Walton County Sheriff.”personKent Safriet“Attorney representing beachfront landowners.”personPeter Ticktin“Attorney for Brian Littrell.”locationWalton County“The primary location of the beach access conflict.”organizationFlorida Legislature“Passed and later repealed the 2018 beach access law.”personDave Rauschkolb“Founder of Florida Beaches for All.”