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Public vs. private beaches on 30A

Updated October 18, 2026

Some 30A beachfront is privately owned and some is public. Under the Florida Constitution, the beach below the mean high-water line is held by the state for all people, and Visit South Walton says anyone may walk the wet sand along all 26 miles of Walton County. Use of the dry sand above that line depends on the parcel; public beach accesses, regional accesses and state parks are open to everyone.

This page explains the law and history in plain terms. It is not legal advice and takes no side.

Who owns the beach on 30A?

Article X, Section 11 of the Florida Constitution says lands under navigable waters, "including beaches below mean high water lines," are held by the state in trust for all the people. Landward of that line, some Gulf-front sand is privately titled and some belongs to the county or the state.

Visit South Walton, the county's tourism office, says you are welcome to walk the wet sand along the entire 26 miles. Its beach access map labels beaches as full public use, limited public use or private. The map notes it is not a legal representation.

What was the customary use fight about?

Customary use is the legal idea that the public may keep using private dry sand it has used for recreation since long ago. The key steps:

• 2017: Walton County adopted a customary use ordinance recognizing the public's use of the dry sand on all of its beaches (County Code Sec. 23-2).
• 2018: The Legislature passed HB 631, creating Florida Statute 163.035. It barred local customary use ordinances above the mean high-water line unless a court first affirmed customary use, through a parcel-by-parcel lawsuit. The county sued under that law in December 2018.
• 2023: The county settled with a group of beachfront owners. On those parcels the public may use a "transitory zone" extending 20 feet landward from the wet/dry sand line for walking, running and getting to the water, and for sunbathing with personal gear from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., capped at one person per five feet of frontage.
• February 2024: The circuit court entered a final judgment affirming customary use on the remaining parcels in the case.
• June 2025: Governor DeSantis signed SB 1622, repealing Section 163.035. The Governor's office said counties can again adopt customary use ordinances without parcel-by-parcel rulings, and that the law does not expand public ownership.
• February 18, 2026: Florida's First District Court of Appeal dismissed the property owners' challenge. Both sides agreed the 2024 judgment became a nullity once the statute it relied on was repealed. The county said it considers its 2017 ordinance invalidated and believes it could adopt a new one under home rule.

Where do things stand as of October 2026?

On May 26, 2026, the Walton County Commission passed a resolution affirming support for public use of the beaches and for creating beach access, and recognizing beachfront owners who share their beach. The resolution itself is not a customary use ordinance. NPR reported in September 2026 that beachgoers face "a confusing patchwork," and that some advocates want a state constitutional amendment. Older articles may be out of date.

How does the Sheriff handle beach trespass calls?

The Walton County Sheriff's Office publishes its policy (SOP 2.1.1). To act on a trespass claim, a deputy must believe the complainant owns the property, that the person is on it, and that the person refused to leave when asked by the officer. Owners must show documents such as a deed and a state-approved mean high-water line survey. On properties not in the settlement, deputies will not enforce trespass on the wet sand or seaward of the mean high-water line. West of Topsail Hill, where beach nourishment set an erosion control line, the public may use the beach seaward of it.

What can visitors do?

• Use clearly public spots: Regional Beach Accesses (parking, restrooms, seasonal lifeguards), neighborhood accesses and the three state parks.
• Walk the wet sand anywhere along the shoreline.
• Read the signs. County code limits beach signs to 24 by 36 inches, white, at least 250 feet apart, and never seaward of the mean high-water line.
• Respect posted private areas. In a dispute, stay calm; the Sheriff sends a Beach Community Service Officer first.
• Ask your host what "deeded beach access" includes.

FAQ

Can I walk the beach in front of private homes on 30A?

Visit South Walton says everyone may traverse the wet sand along all 26 miles. The state holds the beach below the mean high-water line in trust for the public.

Is Walton County's customary use ordinance in effect?

The county told the appeals court in 2026 that it considers its 2017 ordinance invalidated. The 2018 law that blocked such ordinances was repealed in 2025. The county's May 2026 resolution supports public beach use but is not a new ordinance; check the county code for any later action.

Are the state parks on 30A public beaches?

Yes. Grayton Beach, Deer Lake and Topsail Hill Preserve are state parks open to everyone from 8 a.m. to sunset, with an entry fee.

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