I’ve recently been
asked what the rules are as far as leaving personal property on the beach
overnight – tents, beach chairs, towels, etc. Here is an article that provides detailed
information as to what’s allowed – and not allowed.
Walton County’s
current Waterways and Beach Activities Ordinance [No. 2016-16] addresses
unpermitted personal property left on the beach overnight. Overnight is defined
as the hours between one hour after dusk and one hour before sunrise. The
Waterways and Beach Activities Ordinance also prohibits obstructions on the
beach, including ropes, chains, signs or fences, at any time of day. The
beach is defined as the soft sandy portion of land lying seaward of the seawall
or the line of permanent dune vegetation.
Unlawful personal
property left on the beach overnight may be considered abandoned. Items such as
coolers, umbrellas, chairs, etc. are currently being removed and disposed of by
Walton County staff nightly.
In June,
notifications were sent by the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC)
Code Enforcement Department to beachfront property owners informing them that
as of July 15, 2016 unlawful obstructions on the beach including but not
limited to ropes, chains, signs or fences, are subject to citations. The civil
penalty is up to $500.00 per violation.
Items such as
ropes, chains, signs or fences left on the beach overnight may also be deemed
abandoned and become subject to removal and disposal.
For more information
or questions about the ordinance, contact Office of the County Attorney at 850-892-8110.
For ongoing code enforcement operations, contact Walton County TDC Code
Enforcement Department at (850) 622-7895.