It’s a great day in Florida. After years of limited access to our beaches, a new law (SB 1622) just passed that restores the power of local governments to protect customary use—the public’s right to enjoy the dry-sand areas of the beach that have been used for generations. This overturns a 2018 law that blocked public access and forced counties into costly legal battles. Now, places like Destin and Okaloosa County can once again move to reopen access without going to court first. Public beach access is coming back—and it starts with local action.
🔍 How SB 1622 Affects Okaloosa County and Destin
🏖️ 1. Customary Use Can Now Be Reclaimed by Local Governments
• Under the 2018 law, Okaloosa County and the City of Destin lost the ability to unilaterally declare “customary use” of dry-sand beach areas.
• They would have had to go to court and sue every private beachfront property owner to prove public access rights—an expensive, time-consuming, and politically toxic process. Destin never even attempted it due to the legal barrier.
• With SB 1622, that requirement is repealed. Local governments—including Destin—can now pass customary use ordinances again without first suing landowners.
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🧭 2. Destin’s Public Access Has Been Fragmented
• Destin has long faced conflicts between private beach owners (condos, resorts, gated communities) and the public, especially during tourist season.
• Some beaches appear public but aren’t—leading to security confrontations, trespass warnings, and confusion over where you can legally sit.
• This new law gives Destin City Council and Okaloosa County the tools to restore access via legislation rather than litigation.
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🧑⚖️ 3. Local Governments Still Need to Take Action
• The law doesn’t automatically open beaches. It only removes the legal roadblock.
• Okaloosa County and the City of Destin will need to:
• Hold public hearings.
• Draft new customary use ordinances (or amend old ones).
• Identify which stretches of beach qualify based on “historic, uninterrupted public use.”
• Notify landowners and allow input, but without going to court first.
So: The beaches won’t automatically open up overnight—but the path is now open for the Destin and Okaloosa governments to reassert public access rights, if they choose to.
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📅 4. When Will the Public See a Difference in Destin?
• That depends on how fast local officials act.
• If the law is signed and Destin City Council takes initiative, you could see restored access to previously contested dry-sand areas as early as late summer or fall 2025.
• Public pressure and turnout at local meetings will likely determine how quickly Destin moves forward with ordinances.
💡 Summary: What This Means for Destin
✅ What’s New ❌ What’s Still Required
Local governments like Destin can now restore customary use without court approval. Ordinances must still be passed by Destin or Okaloosa County to define public access areas.
Ends the freeze imposed by the 2018 law. Does not override private agreements or legal settlements.
Gives the City of Destin power to reopen access on historically used beach areas. Requires community engagement, hearings, and votes.
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🏄♂️ Final Word
If you’re a Destin resident or business owner and want more public beach access, now is the time to watch city council agendas and speak up at public meetings. SB 1622 opened the door—but local action will determine how far it swings.
📬 Sample Letter to Destin City Council
Subject: Support for Restoring Customary Use on Destin Beaches
Dear Mayor and Members of the Destin City Council,
It’s a great day in Florida. With the recent passage of SB 1622, you now have the opportunity to take meaningful action to restore customary use of our beaches—something generations of residents and visitors have enjoyed and depended on.
As a member of the Destin community, I strongly urge you to begin the process of adopting a local customary use ordinance. This issue is not only about beach access—it’s about preserving the culture, economy, and public spirit of Destin. Our beaches are the heart of this city, and the public deserves the right to enjoy them as they always have.
Please prioritize this as quickly as possible. The community is watching, and we are hopeful.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Destin Address or Affiliation]
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📬 Sample Letter to Okaloosa County Commissioners
Subject: Urgent Request to Reinstate Customary Use in Okaloosa County
Dear Commissioners,
I’m writing today in support of immediate action to reinstate customary use protections on the beaches of Okaloosa County. With the passage of SB 1622, the County now has the authority to restore public access without burdensome litigation—and I urge you to do so.
Our residents, visitors, and small businesses all depend on beach access. For too long, gray areas and access restrictions have caused confusion, tension, and economic harm. It’s time to restore public trust, local tradition, and access to the sand we’ve always shared.
Please act quickly to begin the process of passing a customary use ordinance in Okaloosa County. The people of this county are ready and willing to support you.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your City or Neighborhood]
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📬 Sample Letter to Walton County Board of Commissioners
Subject: It’s Time to Reinstate and Strengthen Customary Use in Walton County
Dear Commissioners,
It’s a great day in Florida—and an even greater one for Walton County.
With the passage of SB 1622, the legal roadblocks that have prevented you from fully protecting customary use have finally been removed. As someone who lives in or loves this community, I’m writing to urge you to take immediate steps to reinstate and expand our customary use ordinance and restore public access to the beaches that have defined life here for generations.
Walton County led the way in defending customary use before it was stripped by the 2018 law. Now, with the law reversed, we have a responsibility—and an opportunity—to finish what we started and ensure access for future generations.
Please act quickly to reestablish local authority, engage the community, and reclaim what was always meant to be shared. The public is with you.
With appreciation,
[Your Name]
[Your Walton County Address or Connection]