SEBASTIAN – The beaches along Florida’s coast may soon see a major change that could mean restrictions to the public.
On July 1st, it will be up to private businesses and homeowners to restrict the public from using their portion of the sand from the high tide water line up, making the dry sand adjacent to their building private while the wet sand will remain public.
Who could do this? Several businesses, including condos, hotels, and private homes could soon be restricted from the public.
Most beachgoers we talked to do not agree with this policy. They feel that the beach should be available to anyone to walk wherever they want.
Gov. Rick Scott recently signed a bill allowing hotels, condos, and other commercial property owners to put up signs or even secure their section of the beach by roping it off, if they choose.
Some private property owners believe it’s a good policy that will protect them. One property owner says it’s critical to protect his private property since he already pays taxes on it.
The new controversial law is the first of its kind in the country and goes against Florida’s long-standing policy of customary use, which says that beaches belong to the public.
This means that a person walking in dry sand on the beach may have to make a U-Turn if a property owner has it roped off.
The law could also mean giving up your perfect spot along the shore if a private property owner asks you to move.
