Own Gulf-front property in Santa Rosa Beach and thinking about a dune walkover? A well-designed crossover protects the dunes you love and gives you safe, reliable beach access. At the same time, the rules here are specific, and getting them right preserves your shoreline, avoids delays, and protects wildlife. In this guide, you will learn the permitting basics, key design limits, timing around turtle season, and how access rules work along South Walton’s beaches. Let’s dive in.
Why dunes and walkovers matter
Dunes are your property’s first shield against storm surge and erosion. Florida law prioritizes protecting the beach–dune system because healthy dunes help beaches recover after storms and support native plants and wildlife. Chapter 161 of Florida statutes sets that foundation.
Parts of Walton County include federally described critical habitat for the Choctawhatchee beach mouse. That means dune disturbance can trigger added reviews. Sea turtles also nest on South Walton beaches. Local guidance notes nesting season generally runs May 1 to Oct 31 and calls for reduced lighting and fewer obstacles on the beach during that time. You can learn more from South Walton turtle season facts.
Who regulates your project
Beach access projects touch several layers of authority, and you must satisfy each one.
- State of Florida: Most dune walkovers fall under the Coastal Construction Control Line rules in Chapter 161 and DEP’s general permit and design criteria.
- Walton County: Local policies emphasize dune protection, limit disturbance in coastal protection zones, and coordinate approvals with DEP. See Walton County’s comprehensive plan for the big-picture framework.
- Federal: Endangered species protections may apply in mapped habitat areas, and certain projects that touch wetlands or navigable waters can involve federal agencies.
Permit and design basics
Many elevated, pile-supported dune walkovers qualify as minor structures under DEP’s general permit if you meet the siting and design rules. You must submit the required notice at least 30 days before work. Rule fees for minor structures are modest, and the rule fee schedule provides examples, but your total cost will also include surveys, plans, contractor work, and county permits.
Key design limits owners commonly encounter include:
- Deck width often capped at 4 feet for elevated walkovers.
- Piles are typically small posts, not encased in concrete, and designed to allow sand movement.
- The seaward end usually must reach the vegetation line but extend no more than 10 feet seaward of that line.
- Siting aims to avoid or minimize impacts to dune vegetation. DEP will confirm placement during a pre-construction meeting.
County approvals are still required even when a general permit applies, and foundation and final certifications from licensed professionals are commonly part of the process.
Quick pre-build checklist
- Confirm whether your frontage is public, owner-managed private, or private using the county’s interactive Beach & Bay Access map.
- Order a site survey that shows the vegetation line, dune toe and crest, and mean high-water line. Flag any protected habitat areas.
- Review DEP’s general permit criteria and design limits, then schedule a pre-construction coordination with staff.
- Contact Walton County Planning and Building to confirm local submittals and inspections.
Construction timing and wildlife
Plan your work window with wildlife in mind. During turtle nesting season, avoid night work, eliminate temporary construction lighting, and keep the beach clear of obstacles. Local guidance for South Walton identifies May 1 to Oct 31 as nesting season. See South Walton turtle season facts for practical tips. DEP’s design rule also outlines lighting and timing limits for work near nesting areas.
Access and ownership in Walton
Florida treats wet sand seaward of the mean high-water line as public, while parts of the dry sand and dunes can be private. Walton County distinguishes county-owned public beaches, owner-managed private stretches, and resort areas on its interactive map. Know which applies to your frontage before posting signs or placing structures that might influence access.
In 2025, a new state law restored local authority to recognize recreational customary use of beaches, which may affect how dry sand is managed county by county. You can read the governor’s summary of the change here: legislation protecting local beach access. Implementation will occur through local actions and posted rules, so rely on current county guidance for your parcel.
If your walkover serves private use only, you retain control over access and are typically responsible for keeping the structure safe for your guests and service providers. If your walkover also enables public access under local rules, your maintenance and insurance considerations may be different. Speak with your attorney and insurer about signage, inspections, and coverage.
Care, repairs and revegetation
After installation, inspect your walkover regularly, especially after storms. Repair damaged boards or rails quickly. Where construction disturbs dune vegetation, replant with approved native species and use sand fencing that meets state specifications for height and porosity. DEP’s design rule covers acceptable fence types and placement to help dunes rebuild.
Costs and timelines
- Notice to DEP: file at least 30 days before you plan to start.
- Fees: minor-structure fees in rule examples are modest, with the rest of your cost coming from surveys, engineering, county permits, and construction. Review the rule fee schedule and plan for professional services.
- Duration: timing varies by workload, wildlife season, and site complexity. Start early so you can align permitting and construction with turtle season and weather windows.
Next steps
A thoughtful walkover protects your shoreline, improves daily life at the beach, and safeguards wildlife. Take time to verify your frontage category, line up surveys and permits, choose a design that respects dunes, and schedule work outside nesting season when possible.
If you are weighing a second home or a sale along the Gulf, we can help you think through value, timing, and presentation so your next move is clear and confident. For warm, expert guidance on your real estate strategy, connect with The Chatham Co..
FAQs
Do Santa Rosa Beach owners need a permit for a simple walkover?
- Most elevated, pile-supported walkovers require a state permit under CCCL rules and county approvals, even for small structures. Start with DEP criteria, then confirm county steps.
How wide can my dune walkover be in Walton County?
- State design criteria generally cap elevated walkover deck width at about 4 feet and limit how far seaward the structure can extend relative to the vegetation line.
When is sea turtle nesting season in South Walton?
- Local guidance identifies May 1 to Oct 31, which is why lighting and timing limits are common during that window.
How do I know if my beach is public or private?
- Check the county’s interactive map that labels county-owned public access points, owner-managed private stretches, and resort areas, then follow posted signs on the beach.
Can my walkover allow public access across my property?
- It depends on local rules and your frontage. If your area recognizes public recreational use or an owner-managed zone, signage and maintenance expectations can differ. Confirm the current county guidance for your parcel and speak with counsel.
