What if the beauty of your beach access could also be your best storm defense? In Paradise by the Sea, the dunes do more than frame the Gulf. They protect your property, shape your shoreline, and support sea turtles and shorebirds that call Fort Walton Beach home. If you are part of an HOA or own a gulf-front property, you want to preserve that natural shield while keeping your walkovers safe, legal, and inviting.
In this guide, you will learn how to choose dune-friendly landscaping, maintain walkovers, and follow local rules that protect wildlife and public access. You will also find a practical checklist you can put to work today. Let’s dive in.
Why dunes matter in Fort Walton Beach
Dunes are your first line of defense during storms. Vegetation captures windblown sand, builds elevation over time, and stabilizes the dune profile so waves lose energy before they reach your home. Protecting dune plants is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce storm impacts.
Healthy dunes also support nesting sea turtles and beach-nesting birds, which are protected under state and federal law. Preserving this habitat keeps your shoreline resilient and in balance with the Gulf. For a helpful overview of coastal resilience and shoreline dynamics, explore the resources from the NOAA Office for Coastal Management.
Know the rules before you build or plant
You have overlapping rules at the state, county, and city levels, and they exist to protect people, property, and wildlife.
Who regulates dune work
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) manages the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) program. Activities that affect dunes or occur seaward of the control line often require DEP review. Learn more on the DEP’s Beaches and Shore Preservation program.
- Okaloosa County and the City of Fort Walton Beach set local codes for access structures, lighting, beach furniture, dogs, and public access. Review the county’s code and the city’s code before starting any work. You can browse the Okaloosa County Code of Ordinances and the Fort Walton Beach Code of Ordinances.
- Federal and state wildlife agencies oversee protected species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provide guidance and, in some cases, additional restrictions. Visit FWC sea turtle resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
When a permit is required
In general, plan to contact regulators before you:
- Build a new walkover, change the footprint of an access, or replace structural elements.
- Install sand fencing or undertake dune restoration work.
- Conduct large-scale planting or removal of vegetation on dune areas.
Small like-for-like repairs may be allowed without extensive permits, but rules vary. Always confirm with DEP and local offices. You can find local contacts through the county portal at MyOkaloosa.
Nesting season to respect
Sea turtle nesting season in Florida commonly runs March 1 through October 31. During this period, expect tighter rules about lighting, beach equipment, and activities near the dune. For current dates and guidance, check FWC’s sea turtle page.
Dune-friendly landscaping made simple
Design your landscape to work with the wind and sand, not against it.
Native plants that work
- Dune grasses. Sea oats is the signature species in the Panhandle. These grasses catch sand and build elevation naturally.
- Low-growing native vines and mats. These help hold sand in place behind the foredune.
- Salt-tolerant native shrubs. Use them carefully and keep the foredune open and low so sand can move and accumulate.
For plant lists and Florida-Friendly Landscaping tips, consult UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Choose local native species and avoid invasive plants that can outcompete dune stabilizers.
Planting and maintenance tips
- Timing. Plant outside peak sea turtle nesting season when possible to minimize disturbance. Coordinate with FWC or your local sea turtle contact if work overlaps the season.
- Spacing. Use widely spaced clumps, not sod. The gaps let sand move and build the dune.
- Protection. Add temporary low-profile fencing or clear signs to keep feet off new plantings until roots establish.
- Care. Skip routine fertilizers and irrigation on dunes. Extra nutrients and water often favor non-native weeds rather than dune-adapted plants.
- Monitoring. Inspect plantings yearly and after storms. Replace failed plants promptly and remove invasive species by hand where you can.
Walkovers and sand fencing that last
Safe beach access does not have to harm the dune. Build and maintain structures so the dune can do its job.
Build for dune health
- Elevation. Install walkovers on pilings so wind and sand can move naturally under the deck.
- Materials. Choose treated or decay-resistant wood, composite decking, and corrosion-resistant fasteners designed for marine environments.
- Drainage and ventilation. Maintain open space beneath the structure for air and sand exchange.
- ADA requirements. If your access serves the public, slope and accessibility standards may apply. Confirm details with city and county officials.
Inspection and repair checklist
Inspect annually and after storms. Focus on:
- Pilings and footings. Check for scour, undermining, and rot.
- Connections and fasteners. Look for corrosion, loosened hardware, and fatigue.
- Decking and railings. Replace damaged boards and secure loose handrails.
- Signage and safety. Keep “Stay off dunes” and “Use boardwalk” signs visible and in good condition.
For structural issues, consult a licensed contractor with coastal experience. For complex sites or repeated scour, consider a coastal engineer.
Sand fencing basics
Sand fencing helps rebuild foredunes by slowing wind and capturing sand where you need it. Many locations require permits for placement, spacing, and materials. General best practices:
- Placement. Set fencing parallel to the shoreline and landward of the high-water line, consistent with approved plans.
- Upkeep. Fix storm damage quickly and remove broken or buried sections to avoid debris hazards.
- Coordination. Work with DEP and county staff before installation to make sure location and design meet local standards.
Beach rules for owners and HOAs
Following local rules protects wildlife, the public, and your HOA.
Lighting and nesting season
- Use lighting that is low, shielded, and amber where required. Turtle-friendly fixtures reduce hatchling disorientation. See FWC’s guidance for details.
- During nesting season, expect restrictions on night-time activities on the beach and how you manage equipment near the dune.
Furniture, pets, fires, and vehicles
- Beach furniture. Many jurisdictions require you to remove unattended furniture and gear overnight. Leaving obstacles on the beach can interfere with nesting and may violate local code.
- Pets. Dogs often face restrictions or leash rules on public beaches. Check the Fort Walton Beach code and Okaloosa County code for current rules.
- Fires and grills. Open fires and charcoal grills are commonly restricted on public beaches. Always confirm before use.
- Vehicles. Beach driving is typically prohibited except in specifically permitted areas.
Public access and the wet-sand area
In Florida, the wet-sand beach seaward of the mean high water line is generally public. Do not place obstacles that block public use in that area. If you have questions about property lines, consult your survey and speak with county staff.
Reduce liability with good maintenance
- Keep walkovers in safe condition. Document inspections, repairs, and closures after storms.
- Post clear signs and close unsafe structures until repaired.
- Require contractors to carry proper insurance and verify permits before work begins.
HOA and resident action checklist
Use this step-by-step list to keep your community safe, compliant, and dune-friendly.
Pre-project planning
- Define the scope. Planting, sand fencing, walkover repair, or new construction.
- Verify property lines and whether work is seaward of mean high water or within the CCCL.
- Contact DEP for CCCL guidance and the county and city for local permits. Start with DEP Beaches, Okaloosa County, and the Fort Walton Beach code.
- Coordinate with FWC or the local sea turtle program if your timeline overlaps nesting season.
- Obtain written permits and store approvals in your HOA files.
Design and contractor selection
- Choose contractors with proven coastal experience and references.
- Require contractors to pull permits and provide proof of insurance.
- For structural changes or complex sites, engage a coastal engineer.
Construction and planting
- Keep foot traffic on signed paths and boardwalks during work.
- Use native plant stock from reputable suppliers.
- Avoid heavy equipment on dunes. If unavoidable, use tracked equipment and limit passes.
Maintenance and seasonal operations
- Inspect walkovers annually and after storms. Keep a maintenance log.
- Repair fencing, replace damaged signs, and replant bare spots quickly.
- Enforce rules for removing beach furniture at dusk during nesting season.
- Retrofit common-area lighting to turtle-friendly fixtures where required.
Education and partnerships
- Post simple, clear signs at access points: “Stay off dunes,” “Use boardwalk,” and seasonal reminders.
- Share guidelines with residents and guests before peak season.
- Explore county or state programs that support dune restoration. Coordinate with DEP, county resilience staff, and local conservation groups for technical help or volunteer events.
Local contacts to keep handy
- Florida DEP Beaches and Shore Preservation — permits and CCCL guidance: DEP Beaches
- Okaloosa County — permitting and local rules: MyOkaloosa
- City of Fort Walton Beach — codes and public access info: City code library
- FWC — sea turtle nesting and lighting: FWC sea turtles
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — protected species info: USFWS
When you align your dune care and access management with these best practices, you protect your investment and the natural beauty that makes Paradise by the Sea special. If you are planning improvements or weighing property decisions on the Gulf, our team can help you navigate local expectations and connect you with trusted coastal pros.
Ready to protect your dunes and elevate your beach access strategy in Fort Walton Beach? Reach out to the local experts at Abbott Martin Group for tailored guidance on coastal ownership and community planning.
FAQs
Who regulates dune work near Paradise by the Sea in Fort Walton Beach?
- Florida DEP oversees the CCCL program, and Okaloosa County and the City of Fort Walton Beach enforce local codes. FWC and USFWS provide protected species guidance.
Do I need a permit to replace or expand a beach walkover on my property?
- You often do if the work changes the footprint, affects dune structure, or is seaward of the CCCL. Always confirm requirements with DEP and local permitting offices.
What is the typical sea turtle nesting season in the Florida Panhandle?
- Nesting season commonly runs March 1 through October 31 in Florida. Check FWC for current dates and local rules before starting work.
Can I leave chairs and umbrellas on the beach overnight in Fort Walton Beach?
- Many jurisdictions restrict leaving unattended items overnight, especially during nesting season. Review the Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County codes for specifics.
What native plants should I use to stabilize dunes on the Emerald Coast?
- Use native dune grasses like sea oats, along with low-growing vines and salt-tolerant shrubs. UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping provides region-appropriate guidance.
