Fla. Stat. 161.088
Declaration of public policy respecting beach erosion control and beach restoration and nourishment projects

Because beach erosion is a serious menace to the economy and general welfare of the people of this state and has advanced to emergency proportions, it is hereby declared to be a necessary governmental responsibility to properly manage and protect Florida beaches fronting on the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Straits of Florida from erosion and that the Legislature make provision for beach restoration and nourishment projects, including inlet management projects that cost-effectively provide beach-quality material for adjacent critically eroded beaches. The Legislature declares that such beach restoration and nourishment projects, as approved pursuant to s. 161.161, are in the public interest; must be in an area designated as critically eroded shoreline, or benefit an adjacent critically eroded shoreline; must have a clearly identifiable beach management benefit consistent with the state’s beach management plan; and must be designed to reduce potential upland damage or mitigate adverse impacts caused by improved, modified, or altered inlets, coastal armoring, or existing upland development. Given the extent of the problem of critically eroded beaches, it is also declared that beach restoration and nourishment projects shall be funded in a manner that encourages all cost-saving strategies, fosters regional coordination of projects, improves the performance of projects, and provides long-term solutions. The Legislature further declares that nothing herein is intended to reduce or amend the beach protection programs otherwise established in this chapter or to result in local governments altering the coastal management elements of their local government comprehensive plans pursuant to chapter 163.

Source: Section 161.088 — Declaration of public policy respecting beach erosion control and beach restoration and nourishment projects, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0161.­088 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

161.011
Short title 161.021
Definitions 161.031
Personnel and facilities 161.041
Permits required 161.042
Coastal construction and excavation in barrier beach inlets 161.051
Coastal construction by persons, firms, corporations, or local authorities 161.052
Coastal construction and excavation 161.053
Coastal construction and excavation 161.054
Administrative fines 161.055
Concurrent processing of permits 161.061
Coastal construction serving no public purpose, endangering human life, health, or welfare, or becoming unnecessary or undesirable 161.071
Prosecuting officers to assist enforcement of this part 161.081
Powers of Department of Legal Affairs 161.082
Review of innovative technologies for beach nourishment 161.085
Rigid coastal armoring structures 161.088
Declaration of public policy respecting beach erosion control and beach restoration and nourishment projects 161.091
Beach management 161.101
State and local participation in authorized projects and studies relating to beach management and erosion control 161.111
Shore erosion emergency 161.121
Penalty 161.131
Construction of ss 161.141
Property rights of state and private upland owners in beach restoration project areas 161.142
Declaration of public policy relating to improved navigation inlets 161.143
Inlet management 161.144
Policy guidance related to sand source management 161.151
Definitions 161.161
Procedure for approval of projects 161.163
Coastal areas used by sea turtles 161.181
Recording of resolution and survey of board of trustees 161.191
Vesting of title to lands 161.201
Preservation of common-law rights 161.211
Cancellation of resolution for nonperformance by board of trustees 161.212
Judicial review relating to permits and licenses 161.242
Harvesting of sea oats and sea grapes prohibited 161.0415
Citation of rule 161.0531
Development agreements 161.0535
Permits

Current through Fall 2025

§ 161.088. Declaration of public policy respecting beach erosion control & beach restoration and nourishment projects's source at flsenate​.gov