Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1622 into law earlier today at Shunk Gulley in Santa Rosa Beach, returning decision-making power to local governments regarding customary use of dry sand beaches in Walton County.

The legislation repeals a 2018 law that had required local governments to go through a court process before recognizing customary recreational use — a long-standing practice in the area. With the new law in effect immediately, Walton County and other local jurisdictions now have more flexibility to manage public beach access through local ordinances.

SB 1622 also streamlines beach restoration projects by simplifying how erosion control lines are established and removing the need for public easements from private beachfront properties. According to state officials, Walton County will receive $60 million in funding for beach renourishment, matched by an additional $60 million in federal funds.

Of the county’s 26 miles of coastline, 19 miles are currently classified as critically eroded. State environmental leaders say the new provisions will help accelerate restoration work while balancing public and private interests.

For background on the legislative process leading up to this point, read our earlier article here.

For the latest beach access information, Visit South Walton’s interactive beach access map is the best resource.