May 1, 2020 – During the Walton County Board of County Commissioner’s (WCBCC) meeting that took place April 28th, 2020, the following action was taken by the WCBCC regarding the opening of the Beaches of Walton County.
The WCBCC has passed Resolution 2020-35, which updates the County’s Local State of Emergency. This Resolution was passed with the following language regarding the opening of Walton County’s beaches and parks which will become effective on Friday, May 1st.
Beginning on Friday, at 12:01 a.m. May 1, 2020, the beaches within Walton County, Florida will be open with the following restrictions:
• All permits for vending on the beach shall be suspended and no vending on the beach, including private beaches, shall be permitted while this Local State of Emergency remains in effect.
• All permits for beach bonfires shall be suspended. No fire permits will be issued while this Local State of Emergency remains in effect.
• All special events on the beach shall be suspended and no special events on the beach shall be permitted while this Local State of Emergency remains in effect.
• Individuals on the beach shall limit their activities to walking, jogging, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, surfing and boating.
Members of the public are permitted to bring their chairs, umbrellas and tents to the beach. Regarding tents and umbrellas, the public must adhere to the guidelines as set forth in the County’s current Waterways and Beach Activities Ordinance.
Waterways and Beach Activities Ordinance – https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/38169/2020-38
Groups of more than ten (10) people are prohibited, and a minimum of six (6) foot social distancing shall apply. In addition to the action above, the WCBCC has taken action to open all County parks and the Eagle Springs Golf Course. No more than ten (10) people and a minimum of six (6) foot social distancing shall apply at all parks and the golf course.
At this time, the Governor’s Executive Orders 20-91 (Safer at Home) and 20-103 (Short-Term Rental Ban), continue to be in effect until April 30, 2020. The County will continue to monitor any action taken by the Governor regarding these or other Executive Orders, and will release information as it is received.