Emerald Coast Beach Rules: Private Vs. Public Beaches

So, you’re all settled in and planning your next beach vacation, and you’re thinking about staying on the Emerald Coast. How exciting! We love welcoming visitors to our slice of paradise here in Southern Florida.

When traveling to a new place, there are many factors to consider. Where will you stay, what will you eat, and what activities will you explore during vacation? Luckily, you can find all that information and more on our website. Check out our full list of blog posts for the best up-to-date information on the Emerald Coast!

One hot-button issue of late has been the discussion of public versus private beaches. Traveling anywhere can be confusing, and when you have to navigate the world of public beach accesses/deciding if it’s worth it to rent a home right on the beach, it can be hard to tell what to do before you get here.

That’s where we come in! Today, we will discuss some of the latest ordinances on the Emerald Coast and how they affect you as guests. We’ll clear up any confusion you have—and if you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.

Let’s get into it now!

What is Customary Use?

Customary Use was previously in effect for Walton County beaches, beginning officially in 2017. The ordinance allowed all visitors to use Walton County Beaches at all points, whether the beachfront was publicly or privately owned.

However, on July 1st, 2018, Florida House Bill 631 reversed the ordinance. The new ruling states that beachfront property owners have the right to privacy on their stretch of beach—in other words, beachfront property homes are not public beach access points.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Department has stated that it won’t police beaches to look for violators, but will respond to calls from property owners.

Another 2018 Bill (SB 1622) sought to repeal this 2018 reverse of customary use, and passed the Florida House in March 2025. It is curently progressing through the legislative process but is not law yet!

If Customary Use Returns, Here's What That Means for You

1. Expanded Beach Access (Possibly) Returns 

If SB 1622 passes and customary use is reinstated, the general public may once again have the right to use all beach areas—even those in front of privately owned homes—as long as they stay above the wet sand line.

2. How It Affects Gated Communities

Many beachfront areas along 30A are within gated neighborhoods. Even if customary use returns, gated access may still limit who can physically enter those beaches. So, while the legal right to use the sand might be restored, access points could remain restricted to guests and residents.

3. What About Your Beachfront Rental?

You may wonder: Will people be able to set up in front of my rental? Technically, yes—but in practice, most folks stick to the more public areas. The beaches here are wide and spacious, so it’s unlikely someone would crowd your setup.

If I Book A Beachfront Home, Can People Use the Beach There?

As of right now, no. If you have access to a beachfront home like the 5 Bed, 4 Bath Paradise Cottage Too, your beach access is just that—yours! The laws are constantly changing surrounding customary use (as you can see from our timeline), so it’s not as simple as a “yes” or “no”.

If folks are going for an oceanfront stroll and pass through the shallow water in front of a home you’re staying in, the neighborly thing to do is just let them pass. Most people aren’t posing a threat, after all! If you do experience some rowdy beachgoers on your stretch of sand, that would warrant a complaint.

What if I’m Not Staying in an Oceanfront Home? Can We Still Go to the Beach?

Yes, of course you can! Since Customary Use is not Florida state law right now (as of August 2025 when we’re writing this), we understand that the message could be that folks aren’t welcome to use the beach on the Emerald Coast if they’re not in a beachfront home. That couldn’t be further from the truth!

There are several public beach access points along the Emerald Coast that will allow you to spend a wonderful day on the sand. Here are some of our favorites!

Public Beach Access Points on the Emerald Coast

30A Beach Access:

Dune Allen Beach Access (ADA Accessible)

• West end of Scenic 30A
• Parking, restrooms, seasonal lifeguards
• Steps from dining and shops

Inlet Beach Access

• One of the largest public beach accesses in South Walton
• Ample parking, restrooms, showers
• Dune walkovers and lifeguards during peak season
• Close to restaurants and shops in Inlet Beach

Ed Walline Park at Gulf Place (ADA Accessible)

• Family-friendly with beach wheelchairs
• Parking, restrooms, picnic pavilions
• Observation deck and nearby restaurants

Blue Mountain Beach Access

• Parking, restrooms, seasonal lifeguards
• Close to local shops and dining