As more people are learning about the situation plaguing the beaches of 30A, more news is being made. Visit this page to see the latest headlines or updates regarding the work being done to save our beaches.
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, HB 6043 was heard by the Florida Judiciary Committee and was passed by a vote of 18-0.
On April 1, 2025, HB 6043 was heard by the Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee and was passed by a vote of 17-0. Dave Rauschkolb, South Walton restaurateur and father, spoke before this committee and urged support for this bill. See video above.
Rauschkolb, who has owned restaurants in the area for nearly 40 years, didn’t speak as a businessman first. “I come to you as a father,” he said, voice steady but heavy. “I have two daughters, 8 and 15. I want them to know the beach like I did — free, open, and welcoming.
”He described watching his restaurants suffer, not from a lack of passion or effort, but from the slow erosion of access that once drew people to the coast. “Rental bookings are down. Property values are falling. My sales are down. And I believe it’s all because people don’t feel welcome anymore.”
A lifelong surfer and Florida native, Rauschkolb said he’s walked every beach in Walton County. “Beaches are why we live here. Why people come here. And now, people are being told to leave.
”He compared the fight for beach access to defending the air we breathe. “Customary use is like oxygen,” he said. “It’s absurd we even have to argue for it.
”He ended with a simple plea: “Please. Vote yes on HB 6043. Don’t let our beaches — and what they mean to all of us — disappear.”
On March 31, 2025, SB 1622 was heard by the Community Affairs Committee and passed by a vote of 7-1.
On March 27, 2025, House Bill 6043 passed the Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee. Check out this VIDEO made by Shoreline Defender. The next step for these two critical bills are to continue getting through various committees, the Senate and the House, and then a signature from Governor Ron DeSantis. Staying committed to this cause and continuing to reach out to the governor and legislators is critical to winning this battle. Click HERE to visit the Get Involved page where you can find email addresses and sample letters.
On March 25, 2025, the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB1622. This is the first step toward the restoration of customary use in Walton County.
From Senator Jay Trumbull: “Thank you, Chair Yarborough and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, for your thoughtful consideration and for passing SB 1622 today. I am truly grateful for your time, your questions, and your willingness to listen to the voices of those most affected by this issue.
This bill represents more than just policy—it represents the heart of a community. Customary use has shaped the culture and way of life in Walton County for generations. It is not just about beach access; it’s about protecting a tradition that connects families, neighbors, and visitors to the very spirit of our coastline.
The testimony given today in committee is just a small example of the hundreds of stories I receive daily from the people of Walton County—stories of lifelong memories made on our beaches, of sunrises shared across generations, of traditions at risk. These stories aren’t anomalies; they are the soul of our community. As their representative, I carry those voices with me. For that reason, I have a responsibility to file this legislation. We have to start somewhere. Doing nothing is not an option. Not for politics, but for the people. Because protecting customary use is about preserving a way of life that belongs to all of us.
Thank you again for your support and for helping us take this important step forward.”
On March 11, 2025, the Walton County Board of Commissioners issued a letter of support to restore customary use to our beaches.
“The bill is currently in committee. The full Senate and House would have to pass the bill, then the Governor would have to sign it into law. If all goes as planned, Trumbull says that could happen by May.” To read the full article, click HERE.
On February 27, 2025, Senator Jay Trumbull filed Senate Bill 1622 in an effort to restore Florida beach customary use.
“l’ve heard loud and clear from the residents of Senate District 2 – especially in Walton County – about the importance of protecting public beach access. That’s why l’ve filed Senate Bill 1622 to repeal the 2018 law that restricts local governments from recognizing customary use of our beaches. Florida’s beaches are a shared treasure, and I’m committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy the shoreline that means so much to our communities.”
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Representative Shane Abbott and Senator Jay Trumbull spoke at Freeport High School. They welcomed community feedback and indicated support to restore Customary Use.
Before his congressional run, Dr. Joel Rudman filed a bill to repeal HB 631 and return customary use to the beaches of Walton County. Click HERE to view the bill that Dr. Rudman has filed. We are so grateful for his leadership on this incredibly important issue.
You can read the most recent news article pertaining to Dr. Rudman’s bill by clicking HERE. Listen to Dr. Rudman explain his bill in the video below.
Recent Headlines
Florida Lawmakers wade into ‘War at the Shore” with beach access fight. LINK
Florida Senate bill aims to restore public access to private beaches, repealing 2018 law. LINK
Walton County residents continue advocating for customary use on local beaches. LINK
Florida representative’s new bill challenges current statute on 30A beach use. LINK
My Panhandle News: Appeals are coming in for public, and private beach rights
Despite 2024 Tourism in Florida statewide being up results are down along 30A in Walton County Florida. LINK
Florida Court Restores Customary Use in Redington Beach, Florida. LINK