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Private beach owners in Pinellas County should seek permits for any changes

Pinellas County Environmental Management is advising beachfront property owners not to install fences or signage or make any other structural changes seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) without first obtaining state and local approvals.

The new state law does not grant beach property owners unfettered rights to the dry beach behind their properties above the mean water line (MHWL). While the new law limits the ability of local governments to enact ordinances impacting private beaches, beach ownership is complicated, and in many cases portions of the upland are either owned by the State of Florida, protected by environmental regulations, or open to the public by virtue of other rules or agreements. All Pinellas County barrier island municipalities have ordinances that apply to beach activities, and the state has rules governing activities seaward of the CCCL.

Beach property owners should first check with their local barrier island government and then contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to learn what is allowed seaward of the CCCL.

For more detailed information including links to the CCCL map and permitting resources, visit the link below.