Board finds beach‑raker permits don’t require trash pickup; residents urged to report debris

During the workshop the chair read an email and attached permit language from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) clarifying that mechanical beach‑cleaning permits authorize raking for seaweed removal and marine‑turtle protections but do not require beach‑cleaning contractors to remove trash.

The chair said the FDEP permit conditions focused on protecting marine turtles and authorization of mechanical raking rather than trash pickup. Quoting the department’s response, the chair told the board: the DEP permit “does not require that they pick up trash” and that the permit authorizes mechanical beach cleaning primarily to manage seaweed and protect nests.

Planner Alan and other members explained the practical effect: most oceanfront properties in Highland Beach contract individually with beach‑raking companies, and the town does not control private contracts. The board concluded that where trash removal is needed residents should contact the town’s public‑works department for assistance with large items, or property owners should stipulate trash removal in their contracts with rakers.

Board members said the finding is disappointing for residents who expect rakers to remove trash, but that legal authority rests with the DEP permitting conditions and individual property contracts. The matter will remain a topic for future outreach and potential complaint procedures, and the chair recommended residents report significant debris to public works.