Episode 6
In this episode, we examine the legislative and grassroots efforts that reshaped beach access in Florida, focusing on how HB 631 (effective July 1, 2018) created a legal framework for local governments to take action on “customary use” of dry‑sand beaches—yet it especially targeted Walton County, where property owners and the county itself spent millions of dollars in litigation. Meanwhile, the subsequent law SB 1622 (signed June 24, 2025) repealed key portions of HB 631 and opened the door back for local governments to adopt customary‑use ordinances.
We talk with grassroots activist John Dillard — founder of Support Open Florida Sanded Beaches — who outlines how he mobilized citizens, used digital platforms, and met with legislators to influence the process. His experience in Georgia gave him perspective for how change can happen across state legislatures, and his Florida campaign underscores the importance of participation beyond simply “liking” something online.
References and Resources
Flournoy, Alyson C., Thomas T. Ankersen, and Sasha Alvarenga. Recreational Rights to the Dry Sand Beach in Florida: Property, Custom and Controversy. University of Florida Levin College of Law, Jan. 2019. Web. https://scholarship.law.ufl.edu/facultypub/831/.
Florida Senate. House Bill 631 (2018) – Possession of Real Property. Florida Senate, 2018. Web. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2018/00631.
Florida Senate. Senate Bill 1622 (2025) – Beaches. Florida Senate, 2025. Web. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1622.
“Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Protect Local Beach Access and Expedite Coastal Restoration.” Office of the Governor of Florida, 24 June 2025. Web. https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-signs-legislation-protect-local-beach-access-and-expedite.
Perry, Mitch. “Republican Wants to Repeal Law That Keeps the Public off Panhandle Beaches.” Florida Phoenix, 28 Feb. 2025. Web. https://floridaphoenix.com/2025/02/28/republican-wants-to-repeal-law-that-keeps-the-public-off-panhandle-beach/.
“Beach Access and Customary Use: Breaking Down SB 1622.” Davis Property Blog, 3 July 2025. Web. https://www.davisprop.com/blog/beach-access-and-customary-use-breaking-down-sb-1622/.
“Lawsuit Filed to Protect Customary Use in Walton County, Florida.” Surfrider Foundation, 11 Dec. 2018. Web. https://www.surfrider.org/news/lawsuit-filed-to-protect-customary-use-in-walton-county-florida.
“What is Customary Use and What Impact Does It Have on 30A’s Beaches?” 30a.com, 5 Nov. 2018. Web. https://30a.com/30a-beaches-customary-use/.