State Rep. Joel Rudman (R-District 3) filed legislation to repeal what he describes as a “problematic statute” that prevented Walton County from enacting local beach access ordinances. 

• The 2018 law led to the installation of traffic cones, ropes, no trespassing signs, and private security guards on South Walton beaches.

“For centuries, there has been a prevailing attitude that the beaches belong to everyone,” Rudman said in a press release. “The communities along 30A were founded on that concept. For years, visitors and residents alike were welcome to stroll the beaches and relax on the shores in a live-and-let-live manner, dogs included.”

Rudman, who says he has been visiting Walton County since the 1980s and owned property there since the 2000s, called the area “paradise” and said he has hosted five different legislators at his property in Seagrove Beach.

The lawmaker criticized the 2018 legislation as being influenced by “a select few special interests” and argued that beach access decisions should be made locally rather than by state government.

• “Big Government has no business meddling in the affairs of 30A,” Rudman said. “I believe the citizens of Walton County should decide their beach access issues, not bureaucrats from Tallahassee.”

The bill seeks to put Walton County “on the same equal footing as every other county” regarding beach access regulations.

Rudman submitted his resignation from the Florida House last month to run for the congressional seat vacated by Matt Gaetz. His resignation, effective January 1, 2025, complies with Florida’s “resign-to-run” law requiring state officeholders to step down from their current position to seek federal office.