FROM THE CALIFORNIA coast to the Florida Keys, Americans treasure our nation’s beaches for their breathtaking beauty. But in the name of public access, and sometimes in the name of conservation, many local, state, and federal government agencies go too far in dictating how that beauty is protected.

There are countless examples of governments taking private beach property, issuing outrageous fines, or leveling absurd land use requirements on private homeowners whose only offense was owning property near a beach.

Too often the government’s heavy-handed abuse of beachfront landowners risks turning natural allies into adversaries. After all, coastal landowners not only pay steep property taxes, which often help fund public conservation efforts, but they also care for the land and important coastal vegetation. No one benefits more from a healthy coast than someone who lives or works on it.

The Nollan decision stated that government could not force property owners into surrendering their constitutional property rights.

To be sure, the government has the power to take private land, even in the name of conservation. But in executing that power, the government must compensate the landowner for what it takes, and too often it doesn’t.

For decades, PLF has fought to help coastal landowners fight for their right to use their property. And in case after case for our coastal landowner clients, we have set important precedents that protect both property owners and the beaches they love.

An important precedent

Thirty years ago, PLF fought on behalf of Pat and Mary Nollan, who owned coastal property in Ventura County. The California Coastal Commission (CCC), a powerful state agency that regulates beachfront land use, refused to issue the Nollans a building permit for their home unless they constructed a public walkway to the beach through their property (and in front of their bedroom windows).

We argued that the government can’t hold your property rights hostage over a sidewalk, and the Supreme Court agreed. The Nollan decision stated that government could not force property owners into surrendering their constitutional property rights. This victory would ultimately prove to be a critical win for property owners everywhere.

More recently, when Eric Wills and his family sought a permit to replace their 40-year-old, mold-plagued mobile home in San Clemente with a smaller new unit, the CCC demanded that in exchange for their permit, they give up the right to repair or maintain their seawall. Without a functioning seawall, they would one day lose their beachfront home.

As in the Nollan case, PLF helped the Wills family defend their property from the CCC’s ransom demand and won with the help of the precedent set by the earlier victory.

No trespassing on “No Trespassing”

Unfortunately, attacks on the rights of coastal landowners aren’t limited to California. Ed and Delanie Goodwin of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, know this truth all too well. In 1978 the Goodwins built their beachfront home in the state’s Panhandle. Like their neighbors, they own the section of the beach behind their home.

After repeatedly having to pick up trash on the beach from trespassers and rowdy spring breakers, the Goodwins posted signs to keep people off their property. But in 2016, Walton County officials tried to ban “No Trespassing” signs after already outlawing fences. Then the county went even further and passed a law that said any member of the public had a right to use any private beach in the county.

Protecting your property from trespassers isn’t illegal, so the Goodwins and PLF filed a lawsuit challenging the county’s absurd law. Then, partly prompted by the Goodwins’ lawsuit, the Florida legislature passed a law to limit such land grabs.

Beauty is no substitute for rights

Ask anyone strolling along a beach at twilight or enjoying their first cup of coffee on their deck overlooking the ocean—there’s something indescribably special about our coastlines.

But no matter how beautiful our coasts are, no one—including the government—is allowed to steal them. PLF has fought for decades to defend landowners’ fundamental rights, and we will continue that fight as long as those rights are being put at risk.