Last Update March 28, 1996

An important task for Florida is to ensure that the public has access to the coast and its resources. This is a prevailing concern in all coastal states and if it is not addressed the public is at risk of losing their rights of beach access to private pr operty interests.

This issue addresses the rights of the general public to access the beach and the rights of private property owners to build on the coast. As the state grows and the demand for permits along the coast increases, it becomes increasingly more important for the state to become involved. The primary concerns are private property issues and stewardship of coastal resources. Private property issues pertain to development along the coast; however, no indicators have been developed for this sub-issue. The ste wardship of coastal resources refers to the many state programs adopted to acquire land for public use and for public access points.

Private Property Issues
No indicators have been developed for this sub-issue

Stewardship of Coastal Resources

• Submerged land leases
• Acres of public lands purchased for preservation along the coast
• Public access points along the coast
• Beachfront properties under public ownership
• Undeveloped coastal properties