Waterfront property homeowners in Florida have taken the 'big question' to the Supreme Court!  "When the government builds a wider beach, who owns it?"  The pending answer could change the fate of the beach renourishment industry, the tourist industry, insurance rates and property values.

The beach renourishment system replaces the beaches after hurricanes and natural errosion by bringing in new sand that is dug up offshore and pumped onto the beaches.  This system has been enhancing beaches since 1922.  This year the state of Florida is spending $25 million on renourishment projects in nearly every county.  Despite the cost, the beaches in the state have flourished due to the renourishment program, without out; our beaches would suffer. Most of the beachfront communities are fully aware of the necessity of beach renourishment, however some are concerned with who owns the beach once it has been renourished. Under Florida law, the beach belongs to the public once the new sand is put into place, and if the public 'owns' the beach; they should have access to it.

Six property owners from Destin, Walton County, Florida are contesting the current renourishment system, stating that it takes away their property rights.  They believe that their property should extend to the waterline, and if their property has been taken away they should be compensated for the loss.  After losing their case in the Florida Supreme Court, they have decided to take it to the Highest Supreme Court and battle out there.