Walton County beach driving permit lottery to begin soon

SANTA ROSA BEACH — Want your shot at being able to drive on the beach in Walton county?

According to a press release from Walton County, the annual Beach Driving Permit lottery begins April 1.

Every year, the county issues 150 beach driving permits through a random lottery process. Applications for the lottery will be available beginning April 1 and are accepted through May 10.

Applications will not be accepted unless all eligibility requirements are met and all documentation is provided at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be eligible for the lottery draw.

The following copies of documents must be submitted in the name of the applicant at the time of application: copy of proof of full-time residency (driver’s license with Walton County address or Walton County voter’s registration); copy of driver’s license (if using voter registration card as proof of residency); proof of real property ownership (if property owner); proof that property taxes are current (if property owner); current four-wheel drive vehicle registration (registered in the State of Florida; in applicants name); and completed 2018 lottery application.

The lottery will take place May 15. Those chosen by random drawing will be notified by email and will be able to purchase a permit from the County Administration Office beginning June 1.

The permits, available for a $135 annual fee, are valid for one year beginning June 1 and are non-renewable.

Selected applicants will have 30 calendar days, beginning June 1, to purchase a permit. After 30 days, the permit will be offered to the next person in line until all 150 permits have been purchased.

The lottery is open only to full-time Walton County Residents who are Walton County property owners and/or Walton County-registered voters.

Online and hard copy applications will be available on the county’s beach driving permits web page (www.co.walton.fl.us, then select "residents" and "beach permits") beginning April 1.

Paper applications will also be available and can be submitted to the County Administration Offices at 76 N. 6th St. in DeFuniak Springs and at the Planning Office in the South Walton Annex at 31 Coastal Centre Blvd. in Santa Rosa Beach.