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Code Compliance FAQ
Code Compliance Frequently Asked Questions
PARKING ENFORCEMENT
1. Can I contest a parking citation I received?
ANSWER: Yes, you can contest the citation by contacting the Walton County Clerk of Courts within 30 calendar days of the issuance of the citation by phone, in person, or in writing. If you elect to contest the citation, you must appear before the County’s Code Compliance Special Magistrate in person. If the magistrate rules in your favor, the citation will be dismissed, and you will not be assessed a fine. If the magistrate does not dismiss the citation, you must pay the amount ordered by the magistrate, including an additional $75 administrative fee.
2. Can I park an LSV and a car/truck/SUV together in a parking space?
ANSWER: No, per Ch. 20-26, it shall be unlawful for any person to park or allow more than one vehicle to be parked in a parking space. However, two motorcycles or low-speed vehicles (LSV) may occupy the same parking space so long as all portions of the vehicles are within the designated space.
3. If all the parking spots in a parking lot are taken, will I get a citation for parking on the pine straw?
ANSWER: Yes, pine straw is considered landscaping. You must look elsewhere or return later if all the parking spots are taken.
4. Who should I contact if a vehicle is abandoned in a county ROW or parked on the roadway?
ANSWER: The Walton County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 850-892-8111. The ordinance only allows the sheriff to deem a vehicle dangerous or a nuisance. Per Section 20-44 (a)(1)Nuisances or dangers. If such vehicle or object is deemed to be a nuisance or danger to the traveling public by the sheriff, the sheriff may direct its immediate removal, impoundment, and disposition in accordance with the provisions of section 20-43
5. I have a handicap/disability placard. If all the handicapped/disabled parking spaces are full, can I park on the blue hash marks (blue stripes) beside or between them?
ANSWER: No, this area is called an access aisle. It is for the loading and unloading of disabled passengers in vehicles parked in the handicapped/disabled space. Per Florida State statute, you will be fined up to $250 for parking in the access aisle.
6. Can I park my vehicle (car/truck/SUV) in an area designated with a sign for low-speed vehicle (LSV) parking only if all the regular parking spaces are full?
ANSWER: No. You cannot park contrary to any designated use posted by sign.
7. I forgot to put the new sticker on my license plate after I renewed my registration. Can I receive a citation even though the tag has been renewed?
ANSWER: Yes. You are in violation of section 20-19, which states: "It shall be unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park any motor vehicle upon any street, alley, sidewalk, sidewalk area, right-of-way, public park, county-owned or operated parking space, parking lot or other parking facility, any other property owned by the county or any other public place (not privately owned) if such vehicle does not have attached thereto a registration license plate and validation stickers for the current registration period in accordance with the laws of the state.
8. If the parking lot is empty, can I park in the spaces with signs that say vehicle with boat trailer only?
ANSWER: No. Just because those spaces are empty, if there is a posted sign, you cannot park contrary to the sign.
9. I see cars parked overnight at a park; who do I call?
ANSWER: You should first call the Sheriff’s office if it’s during the park's closed hours. (All county parks are closed between sunset and sunrise.) The Sheriff’s office can then tag the vehicle if no one is present, which will document the date and time the deputy observed the vehicle. If the vehicle is still there in the morning, the Sheriff’s office or Parking Enforcement can be contacted to cite the vehicle for the violation of parking overnight.
10. Do I have to pay to park at the beach?
ANSWER: The County offers free public parking at the Regional Beach Accesses. However, paid parking may be possible in the future; as of February 2025, all County parking areas are free of charge.
11. What violations do you specifically look for in a parking lot?
ANSWER: 20-12 (b) At each place where individual parking spaces are so marked off, each vehicle shall be parked entirely within an individual parking space. This means we are looking for vehicles that are not parked in a designated parking space (In landscaping, along a curb, etc.), vehicles that occupy more than one space either wholly or partially, vehicles with expired tags or no tags, and vehicles parked contrary to direction or use of posted signage, (i.e., car parking in a spot designated for LSV only), and Disabled/Handicap violations.
12. What is the minimum distance that a parked vehicle has to be from a fire hydrant?
ANSWER: 15 feet per 20-15
13. Can I park beside a mailbox?
ANSWER: No, per 20-17 (c) no vehicle shall be parked in the right-of-way in front of, within 20 feet to either side of a mailbox, or so situated that prohibits the delivery of US Mail.
STREET CODE COMPLIANCE
1. I want a storage shed in my backyard. Do I need a permit?
ANSWER: Accessory structures are allowed in any zoning district, provided they meet Section 2.02.00(B) and any additional Land Development Code zoning requirements. It is always recommended that a property owner obtains permits through the Planning and Development Office and the Building Dept. before erecting a storage shed.
2. I have changed the oil in my car. Where should I dispose of the used oil?
ANSWER: Walton County residents have four locations where they can dispose of used motor oil at no charge. Simply bring your used oil to any of the four locations. Please click the link for more information: Link to Motor Oil Disposal Information
3. I have replaced my living room furniture. What should I do with my old furniture? ANSWER: If the furniture is still usable, please consider donating it to one of the many donation centers in the county. If the furniture is unusable, contact Waste Management and schedule a bulk pick-up: Link to Bulk Trash Pickup Information
4. Can I live in my RV while I build a home?
ANSWER: Yes, an active building permit must be in place for primary use. Permits are required. The duration of a period for using a recreational vehicle as a temporary residence during construction shall be one (1) year from the date of permit issuance. Any permit questions should be directed to the Walton County Planning Department.
5. I would like to host a non-beach outdoor event in our community. Do I need a permit?ANSWER: Yes, a planned assemblage of the general public held outdoors in the unincorporated areas of Walton County requires an Outdoor Event Permit, as defined in the Walton County Ordinance 2022-18. See the link to the ordinance below.
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/41368/2022-18
6. Can I place my business advertisement signs on the side of the road?
ANSWER: No, signage in the public right-of-way is NOT permitted. Business signage is restricted to the property to which the development order has been approved. This includes building signs, monument signs, window signs, kiosk signs, and directional signage.
7. I have a vehicle that does not run, but I want to work on it in the meantime. It is not registered; do I have to remove it from my property?
ANSWER: An unregistered vehicle is allowed for a period not to exceed 30 days. Otherwise, the vehicle will require an updated registration. Suppose the tag assigned to that vehicle has been surrendered to the Walton County Tax Collector's office. In that case, you can obtain a verification affidavit from the Tax Collector's office stating the vehicle is registered but not being operated on the roadways. If it is not registered within the timeframe given, the vehicle will need to be removed from the property. If the vehicle is located on a property north of the bay in Walton County, it is permitted for it to be shielded from public view.
8. Do I need a permit to clear my land?
ANSWER: If your property is located south of the bay, a development order is required before clearing any land and areas that will be cleared must be shown in the development plans. There are many protected areas in South Walton. These areas must remain protected, and clearing these protective areas is prohibited and subject to fines and costly restoration. You must obtain a clearing permit or a development order if your property is located north of the bay. A property owner is required to obtain permits through the Planning and Development Office before clearing any land. Any additional permitting questions about clearing land should be directed to the Walton County Planning Department.
9. I would like to extend the parking area at my house with pavers. Do I need a permit?
ANSWER: Depending on where your property is located is key! If your property meets the requirements for a stormwater plan, a change in your development order may be required. It is always recommended that a property owner contact the Walton County Planning Department before changing your parking area.
10. What are setbacks? How do they apply to my property’s layout?
ANSWER: Setback requirements shall apply to ALL structures erected on property situated in unincorporated areas of Walton County, Florida. It is always recommended that any questions regarding setbacks be directed to the Walton County Planning Department before any structure is erected on the property.
Building setback requirements are listed in the table below.
Land Development Code Section 5.00.03
11. Do I need a permit for a pole barn?
ANSWER: Yes, unless your property meets the criteria for agricultural use specified in the zoning. It is always recommended that any questions regarding accessory structures be directed to the Walton County Planning Department before any structure is erected on the property.
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/41300/Chapter-2-Revised-January-24-2023
General Standards and Requirements for Accessory Structures. Any number of different accessory structures may be located on a parcel, provided that the following requirements are met:
a. There shall be a permitted principal development on the parcel, located in full compliance with all standards and requirements of this Code.
b. All accessory structures shall comply with standards pertaining to the principal use, unless exempted or superseded elsewhere in this Code as well as all applicable building codes enforced by the County.
c. Accessory structures shall not be located in a required buffer or landscaped area unless a variance has been granted by the County pursuant to Chapter 1 of this Code.
d. Accessory structures shall be included in all calculations of impervious surface and stormwater runoff.
e. Accessory structures shall be shown on any development plan with full supporting documentation as required in Chapter 1 of this Code.
12. I would like to build a seawall on a vacant parcel. Do I need a permit?
ANSWER: Seawalls are permitted through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). However, the DEP seawall permit does not authorize you to clear any vegetation. It is always recommended that you contact the Walton County Planning Department with any questions prior to clearing vegetation.
13. What is the white sand protection zone?
ANSWER: The white sand protection zone is the areas located south of Scenic Gulf Drive (Old 98) eastward from the Okaloosa County line to its intersection with US 98, thence south of US 98 to County Road 30A, thence south of County Road 30A eastward to the juncture of U.S. Highway 98 and the Bay County line. The white sand protection zone also includes any lakes and adjoining land surrounding said lake, when said lake abuts County Road 30A. The purpose is to maintain, preserve, and protect the natural function and color of Walton County beaches' fine to medium-grained white sands.
In the white sand protection zone, there shall be no use of red or yellow clay or colored sand material that is subject to wind or water transport that would permanently discolor the white beach sands. A white sand permit must be obtained and approved through the Walton County
Planning Dept. prior to material being placed in the white sand protection zone.
Approved materials mean mineralogical composition of white sand of a sufficiently similar gradation to the existing beach sand as determined by the County Engineer, the Plans Review Engineer or their designee, as applicable, with a Munsell Color Chart value of 8.00 or white and a chroma of 1.00 on the 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10YR or 2.5Y scale when checked in a dry air condition. For road bed construction; oyster shell, limestone, white dolomite, or other approved material, shall be reasonably the same color as approved sand after exposure to the sun.
Click the link below for additional information regarding the white sand protection zone.
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/40842/Chapter-4-Adopted-August-25-2022
14. Where can I dispose of my broken appliances?
ANSWER: Walton County residents have two free-of-charge options to dispose of their broken appliances. Walton County residents in the southern end of the county, broken appliances can be dropped off in the provided dumpsters designated for metals located at the Blue Mountain Pit , 970 S Co Hwy 83. Santa Rosa Beach, FL. 32459. Walton County residents on the county's north end can take broken appliances to the Walton County landfill located at 1118 Institution Road. DeFuniak Springs, FL. 32433
BEACH CODE COMPLIANCE
1. When I was wading in the surf, a Code Compliance Officer told me the water was closed due to double red flags / rip currents in the Gulf. Who makes the decision to close the water and/or beach for use by the public in Walton County?
ANSWER: Chapter 22-54 (h) (2) states that the Walton County Board of County Commissioner, the Director of Emergency Operations, South Walton District, or the Walton County Sheriff’s Office have the authority to declare that an emergency exists temporarily close or restrict the use of the beach or water adjacent to the beach for the use by the public when conditions endangering the safety of the public are present The South Walton Fire District is responsible for changing the beach flags when conditions change and Code Compliance and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office are responsible for enforcing the double red flags. The fine for a double red flag violation is $525.00.
2. Can my kids dig deep holes on Walton County Beaches?
ANSWER: Yes, however, there are restrictions. No steel blade shovel or other metal tools are allowed on Walton County public beaches per Chapter 22-54 (p). Holes dug on the beach cannot be larger than 3 feet by 3 feet and no deeper than 2 feet and shall be filled in before leaving the beach per Chapter 22-54 (k). The fine for violation is $125.00
3. I love the beach sand here; can I take a bucket home with me?
ANSWER: No. Section 22-54 (j) states no beach sand may be removed from the beach. The fine for violation is $125.00
4. What is the definition of a “Service Animal,” and are they allowed on Walton County public beaches?
ANSWER: Yes, service animals are allowed on Walton County public beaches. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
5. Can boogie boards be used during double red flag conditions?
ANSWER: No. The definition of a surfboard is a fiberglass, epoxy, closed-cell neoprene, or Styrofoam instrument with one or more fiberglass fins or kegs attached or inserted into the belly or bottom of the surfboard.
6. Are glass or ceramic items like bottles, glasses, and coffee cups allowed on the beach?ANSWER: No. It is unlawful for any person while on the beach to possess or utilize any glass or ceramic item, bottle, or container.
7. Are tents allowed on public beach accesses?
ANSWER: Yes, but with restrictions. Per Section 22-54 (q), it shall be unlawful for any person to use, erect, or possess a tent with a total footprint larger than ten feet by ten feet (10’ X10’) included all strings, bags, straps, legs, and the like on any beach owned, leased, dedicated to or maintained by the county. Tents used as provided in this section shall be limited to the upland one-half (1/2) of the beach, except at Grayton Beach and must have a (4) four-foot walkway between each tent for the purpose of ingress and egress to the water. Tents on private beach property of any size are allowed for use by the property owner, their guest, or agent between one hour after sunrise and one after sunset.
8. Are large umbrellas allowed on Walton County beaches?
ANSWER: Yes, but with restrictions. It shall be unlawful for any person to use, erect, or possess an umbrella with a total footprint larger than eight feet x eight feet (8’x 8’) on any beach owned, leased, dedicated to, or maintained by the County. The size of the umbrellas used on private property is at the property owner's discretion.
9. I left my car overnight at one of the county beach accesses, and the next day, I had a citation on the windshield. Why did I get a citation?
ANSWER: Section 22-61 Public Beach Parking states No overnight parking or blocking of parking spaces, or blocking of emergency vehicle access points is permitted in the county maintained beach access parking lots. No overnight parking signs are posted at the entrance and inside the parking lot.
10. I was fishing in the Gulf at one of the beach accesses when a Deputy Sheriff contacted me, stating that my fishing lines were endangering the nearby swimmers. What did I do wrong?
ANSWER: Section 22-54-2(c) (1) Fishing states It shall be unlawful for any person to fish in the Gulf after having been warned by any law enforcement officer that the health and safety of bathers is being endangered.
11. Are grills allowed on Walton County public beaches?
ANSWER: Charcoal grills are not allowed. Propane gas grills utilizing no more than a 1lb. cylinder are permitted if less than two hundred and twenty-five (225) square inches in cooking surface.
12. Can I leave personal property on Walton County public beaches?
ANSWER: It is unlawful to leave an item of personal property on the beach between one (1) hour after sunset and one (1) hour after sunrise unless a permit has been granted by the County. It shall be unlawful for any person to leave an item of personal property between one (1) hour after sunset and one (1) hour after sunrise on the dunes or at the toe of the dune at any beach or parking owned, leased, dedicated to, or maintained by the County.
PERMITTING
1. I am here vacationing; can I get a permit to walk my dog on the beach in Walton County?
ANSWER: Only dogs owned by Walton County real property owners or permanent residents are eligible to obtain a permit. Please click the link for more information: Link to Dog Permit Information
2. Do I need a permit to get married on a Walton County public beach?
ANSWER: Yes, a special event permit is required for all weddings held on public beach access so that no more than one wedding can take place at the same time and place. Please click the link for more information: Link to Special Event Permit Information
3. Where can I pick up my beach driving, charter fishing, or dog on the beach permit?ANSWER: Permits are available for pick up at our Code Compliance Office at 46 Coastal Centre Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
4. Is a vending permit required to vend on Walton County beaches?
ANSWER: Yes, a vendor permit is required for vending of any kind or character on the beach.
5. Do you have to have liability insurance to obtain a vending permit?
ANSWER: Yes. The vendor must provide a policy or certificate of insurance for comprehensive general liability coverage in the amount of $500,000, which shall be executed by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Florida.
6. When can I apply for the Walton County Drive on the Beach lottery?
ANSWER: County residents who meet Section 22-57(e)(1) requirements may submit an application between April 1st and May 10 of each year.
7. Can I obtain a disability drive on the beach permit if I own property in Walton County?
ANSWER: Only if you can provide proof of Walton County residency, such as a voter’s registration card, homestead exemption card, or driver’s license, along with proof of disability, such as a disability parking permit/placard, disability license plate, or Veteran’s Administration 100% disability letter.
8. What do I do if I lose my drive on the beach permit decal or purchase a new vehicle?
ANSWER: You can apply for a replacement permit decal by contacting the Code Compliance permitting office. A new permit can be issued to the original permittee for a processing fee only once the permittee has provided a detailed explanation, accompanied by proof, such as a law enforcement report or signed affidavit as to the lost or stolen permit decal.
9. Can I change my special event date once the permit has been issued?
ANSWER: No. Special Event Permits are not transferable and non-refundable.
10. If my property is titled in the name of a business, can I still apply for a dog on the beach permit?
ANSWER: Yes, for property titled in the name of a business, the applicant must show proof they own a controlling interest in the property to be considered eligible for a permit (copy of state or other documents showing the percentage of ownership or list of officers)
11. Who do I contact to obtain a beach bonfire permit?
ANSWER: Beach Bonfire permits are issued through the South Walton Fire District. For further information, please visit https://www.swfd.org/beach-safety/beach-bonfires.
12. Is a permit required for Commercial Activity at a public boat ramp and associated park?
ANSWER: Yes. No person shall conduct any Commercial Activity or utilize a public boat ramp and associated park in a manner that will result in Commercial Activity, whether land-based or from the water, without a permit authorizing that activity.