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Commissioners weigh changes after disability beach‑driving permits more than double in four years
Summary
Walton County staff reported beach driving disability permits rose from 446 to 854 in four years. Commissioners directed staff to research options — day passes, time slots, nonresident limits and alignment with state handicap placard rules — and to consult state disability authorities before changes.
County staff presented permit data showing beach driving disability permits have risen sharply — from 446 in 2022–23 to 854 in the most recent year. Staff explained the county historically tracked permits by whether an applicant held a state‑issued handicap placard and that the program included a grandfathered pool and a lottery for additional permits. "So all of these applicants...we mirrored that several years ago," staff said, noting the county aligned its eligibility with state placards to avoid discriminatory definitions.
Commissioners expressed concern that the permit pool has ballooned and discussed alternatives, including a day‑pass system similar to parking passes, limiting nonresident passes, time‑slot allocations and a secure application process to limit permit transfers between vehicles. Commissioner Glidewell and others emphasized the need to coordinate with state agencies that administer disability placards and to ensure compliance with Title II/III of the ADA before changing eligibility criteria.
Staff will return with options outlining regulatory constraints, enforcement mechanisms, and implementation tradeoffs. Commissioners emphasized the importance of balancing public‑access and safety goals with compliance to state and federal disability law.
