REDINGTON BEACH, Fla. – Waterfront property owners in Redington Beach, Florida, are appealing a federal judge’s decision upholding a town ordinance that protects public access to dry-sand areas of the beach. The property owners argue that the ordinance constitutes an unconstitutional “taking” of their private property.
The dispute centers around the concept of “customary use,” which allows the public to use certain areas of privately owned beaches for activities like walking, sunbathing, and fishing. A 2018 Florida law addressed customary use, but it has led to legal battles across the state.
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In this case, U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington ruled in favor of the town of Redington Beach, stating that the ordinance simply recognizes existing customary use rights and does not take away private property. The property owners are now appealing this decision to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for beach access rights in Florida and other coastal states. It highlights the ongoing tension between private property rights and the public’s desire to enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline.
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