This bill repeals Section 163.035 of the Florida Statutes, which previously related to the establishment of recreational customary use of beaches. It establishes a legislative declaration that the erosion control line for certain counties will be defined as the mean high-water line, determined by a survey conducted by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. The bill also clarifies that the state does not intend to deprive any upland or submerged land owner of their legitimate property rights.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if an erosion control line has not been established for a critically eroded shoreline, the Board of Trustees must adopt one by resolution and file it in the official county records. The Department of Environmental Protection is authorized to proceed with beach restoration projects in areas designated as critically eroded, and these projects will not require a public easement. The bill specifies that any additions to property seaward of the erosion control line resulting from restoration will remain state sovereignty lands, and it declares that such projects serve the public interest. The provisions apply specifically to counties adjacent to the Gulf of America with at least three municipalities and a population of less than 275,000.

Statutes affected:
S 1622 Filed: 163.035
S 1622 c1: 163.035
S 1622 er: 163.035