Episode 1

Welcome to Episode 1 of our 7-part series.

In 2018, a law was passed to give governments and citizens a way to legally assert Customary Use, another way to say the "right to use the beaches", in Florida. This episode explores the tension between private beachfront owners asserting property rights and residents and visitors who have used these beaches freely for generations.

Despite attempts to speak with all sides, some individuals declined interviews due to fear of retribution or ongoing litigation. All information included in this series is based on firsthand interviews or verified public records. The story includes uncomfortable truths, and listeners may find themselves angry—but that reaction is appropriate given what has transpired.

Click Here to Download Episode 1 to Listen Offline

Research and References

(All sources referenced are public domain records, legal rulings, or original interviews. Below are key documents and organizations listeners can explore.)

Legal & Government Resources

Florida HB 631 (2018) – Customary Use Law
Florida Senate Bill Text & Analysis (search "Florida HB 631 full text").
Florida Supreme Court – City of Daytona Beach v. Tona-Rama Inc., 1974
Landmark ruling establishing customary use doctrine.
U.S. Supreme Court Case on Beach Nourishment (Stop the Beach Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection), 2010

County / Local Policy

Walton County Customary Use Ordinance (repealed after HB 631; archived records available via Walton County Clerk of Courts)
Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) – Public Access & Beach Ambassador Program

Organizations Referenced

Florida Beaches for All – community advocacy group
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – documentation on renourishment projects
Walton County Board of Commissioners – public meeting minutes
South Walton Fire District & Sheriff’s Office – beach incident reports (public request available)

Individuals / Interview Subjects Mentioned

Kent Safriet (Holtzman-Vogle law firm, Tallahassee)
Dave R. (local business owner, founder of Florida Beaches for All)
Former Governor Mike Huckabee (referenced in media campaigns)