Here is the section from the current county code of ordinance for vehicles on the beach as it appears on MuniCode. No mention of a requirement for a habitable structure on the real property in order for a beach driving permit to be issued. If the commissioners approve the amendment that is proposed this would change. This will be considered at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12.
"Sec. 22-57. Permitted vehicles on the beach.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to drive, or cause to be driven, an unauthorized vehicle on the beach of Walton County unless permitted as provided herein.
(b) Before any vehicle shall be allowed in the designated limited access areas on the public beaches of Walton County, a permit must be obtained for the vehicle in the form of a decal, and permanently affixed in the back window of said vehicle, or the rear of the motor vehicle.
(c) Walton County real property owners and immediate family members residing with the property owner may obtain a permit for the use of vehicles along the designated limited access areas on the beach of Walton County. Proof of real property ownership is required.
(d) The Walton County Tax Collector will issue the permits upon receipt of a completed application. The Walton County Tax Collector shall retain $5.00 as a processing fee.
(e) Only four-wheel drive vehicles shall be permitted.
(f) The designated limited access area permit described in subsection (c) above, shall cost the sum of $105.00 per vehicle. One decal (vehicle permit) shall be issued for each vehicle authorized to use the limited access area. Permanently disabled landowners, upon proof of disability, will be exempt from this fee.
(g) In addition to the designated limited access area permit described in subsection (c) above, individuals launching boats shall be required to have a corresponding trailer decal for an additional $30.00. The decal shall be placed on the tongue of the trailer.
(h) The speed limit of authorized vehicles along the designated limited access on the public beaches of Walton County shall be five miles per hour.
(i) Any reckless driving along the designated limited access of the public beaches shall constitute a violation of this article.
(j) Conviction for violation of this article shall result in automatic revocation of the vehicle permit.
(k) All permits issued shall be for a period of one year and will expire June 1 of each year.
(l) Permitted vehicles are not allowed on the beach other than in the designated limited access areas.
(m) All access areas shall be appropriately marked and designated as such.
(n) Driving is prohibited from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise, with the exception of vehicles launching or recovering boats. All vehicles launching boats must be parked in designated parking areas.
(o) All-terrain vehicles are not permitted on the public beach. All-terrain vehicles used by sheriff department officers and county employees for official business may be driven on the beach. Beach vendor permits may include all-terrain vehicles that are restricted to setting up and breaking down vending sites only.
(Ord. No. 2003-07, ? 7, 4-8-03; Ord. No. 2005-11, ? 2, 4-26-05)"
The Walton County Tax Collector's office issues the beach driving permits. They would be able to give an authoritative answer to questions about these permits. They can be contacted at (850) 892-8121 or (850) 267-3001, and their Web site is
Walton County Tax Collector.
