Florida Bar Journal Article on Beach Access

Check out the recent COVER of the Florida Bar Journal and its discussion on Beach Access: Click Here to Read the Article.

Beach Bill died in Senate in April

The bill did die early on in March after not making it to the next Senate Committee agenda.

Can We Get this Bill to the Next Committee?

This proposal may die if it doesn’t advance to the next Committee.

Email or call these Florida Senators to ask that the bill be placed on the Community Affairs Committee agenda.

You can copy the below text into an email if you want, or call and say:

“Dear Representatives,

Please place SB 488 on the Community Affairs Committee agenda, and support approval of the bill.

Existing Florida law regarding public beach access is confusing and dispersed in various regulations, making it difficult to enforce violations by private property owners or municipalities that impede public beach access. This bill would simplify and consolidate the law regarding public beach access. Doing so will be of value to Florida residents and visitors to our state.”

Emailing would better. You can email all of the Committee members at once if you like.

Committee email addresses (copy into your email’s “to”)
bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov,siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov, altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov, deutch.ted.web@flsenate.gov, garcia.rudy.web@flsenate.gov, gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov, hill.tony.web@flsenate.gov, ring.jeremy.web@flsenate.gov, storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov, wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

If you truly want to protect public beach access, YOU need to just do this. There are private property owners and towns that don’t want this bill passed, and their lobbyists will make an argument against approval.

OUR VOICES need to be heard. If we don’t speak up, nobody will hear us.

Sen. Michael Bennett (Chair), Bradenton (850) 487-5078
bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Gary Siplin (Vice-Chair), Orlando (850) 487-5190
siplin.gary.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Thad Altman, Melbourne (850) 487-5053
altman.thad.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Ted Deutch, Delray Beach (850) 487-5091
deutch.ted.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Rudy Garcia, Hialeah (850) 487-5106
garcia.rudy.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Andy Gardiner, Orlando (850) 487-5047
gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Anthony C. Hill, Jacksonville (850) 487-5024
hill.tony.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Jeremy Ring, Margate (850) 487-5094
ring.jeremy.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Ronda Storms, Brandon (850) 487-5072
storms.ronda.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Stephen R. Wise, Jacksonville (850) 487-5027
wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Senate Bill Passes First Committee

On tuesday March 31st the bill BARELY made it through its first committee. We are very concerned and dont understand how there is opposition to the bill on the grounds that there is "no need for language." Next committee is Community Affairs, however due to time constraints we are not sure if we will make it.

Beach Access Bill Will Finally Be Heard in Senate

We just received word that we should be on the agenda for Tuesday, March 31st in the Senate Environmental Preservation Committee, Senate Bldg Room 401. Theses members include:

Senator Constantine (Central Fl) 850-487-5050
Senator Sobel (Broward) 850-487-5097
Senator Rich (Broward/Dade) 850-487-5103
Senator Jones (Pinellas) 850-487-5065
Senator Dockery (Central Fl) 850-487-5040
Senator Detert (Southwest Fl) 850-487-5081

What to Say when you Call your state representatives by phone (This is easy. Do it right now!)

Call one of the phone numbers listed above and tell the person who answers: “Hi. My name is __. I’m calling to ask the Senator's support for Senate Bill 488 and House Bill 527 regarding Public Beach Access.” (if you have ever had an issue with beach access being blocked you should share this as well)

That’s it!

Bill Pass First House Committee

On Tuesday morning the bill was heard in the Natural Resources Council. Chapter activists from Central Florida, Suncoast, and Panhandle areas, as well as Professor Donna Christie were present to show support for the bill. Rep. Sachs did an amazing job explaining the bill to the committee and it passed with great support. We would like to highlight major support from Rep. Mayfield and Shultz!!! Next Committee is Civil Justice. No word on Senate yet....

The day didnt end there thought. Members worked the halls of the Capitol to gain further support for the upcoming committee. They were well rewarded at the end of the day with the Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition Leadership Reception where we gave Senator Pruitt of the Treasure Coast and Rep. Saunders of South Florida awards for their ongoing efforts to protect our coastal and ocean environments.

Senate Blocks Bill First Committee

On Thursday we received word that our bill will not go to its first Senate Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 24th.

It remains crucial for members that can come to Tallahassee tomorrow to be at the 8am House Natural Resources Council committee meeting at Reed Hall.