Residents urge Escambia County to adopt 'customary use' rules after Florida law change

Dozens of residents urged the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 2 to use Florida’s recent change in law to protect and expand public recreational use of Gulf beaches.

The appeals came during the meeting’s public‑comment period and focused on Senate Bill 16-22, which several speakers said removed a prior requirement that a court declare customary public use before a local government could adopt related rules. "The recent law is not a directive to move towards customary use, but a return to conditions before section 163 was passed in 2018," said Charles Krupnick of Perdido Key. "I personally hope customary use won't be implemented at all on Perdido Key," he added, arguing beachfront property owners paid premiums for private access.

Supporters said the law change restores local authority and would preserve public access. Diane Crummell, who identified herself as the founder of the grassroots group Safe Pensacola Beach, told commissioners: "The bottom line is that you were elected to do the will of the people, and the people have spoken and made it loud and clear that they want and deserve more public beaches." Greg Davis and David Wu, both identifying themselves as District 5 residents, also voiced support for customary use on Perdido Key.

Speakers offered different reasons for action. Supporters framed customary use as protecting long‑standing recreational practices and access for future generations; opponents emphasized private‑property investments and said the change merely restored the pre‑2018 status quo rather than imposing a mandate. Several speakers urged commissioners to act proactively rather than waiting for litigation or property disputes to arise.

No ordinance or formal county action was put before the board during the meeting; the comments were part of the public‑forum period. Commissioners did not vote on a policy at the meeting but heard repeated requests to consider the issue in upcoming work and to consult county legal staff.

The matter was raised by multiple speakers from Perdido Key and other parts of Escambia County; it did not result in a public hearing or a board vote on Oct. 2. If the board chooses to move forward, staff and commissioners said they would return with legal analysis and proposed language before any change in county code.

Residents who spoke emphasized both the legal effect of SB 16-22 and the potential local consequences for parking, parking enforcement, and private property rights. Because the board did not take formal action during the meeting, any regulatory or ordinance change would require follow‑up public hearings and explicit votes.