Property Left Overnight on the Beach - Did You Know?

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.