Customary Use
Pinellas County signed a 2026 beach nourishment project coordination agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), resolving longstanding concerns from the County and beachfront property owners. A key change now allows communities to adopt customary use ordinances instead of requiring perpetual public access and use easements—an option previously not authorized by USACE.
Indian Rocks Beach adopted customary use in 2018. Pinellas County is now working with Indian Shores and Redington Shores to do the same.
Why Customary Use Matters in Indian Shores & Redington Shores
Customary use formally recognizes the public’s long history of enjoying local beaches for walking, sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. Adopting these ordinances:
- Protects the historical public access and use of the beach.
- Meets USACE requirements for federal beach nourishment funding.
- Ensures the entire Sand Key project remains eligible, one segment failing to qualify puts the whole project at risk.
The updated agreement also allows shorter term construction easements and removes the need for easements to explicitly include “public access and use” language, shifting that to local ordinances.
How You Can Help
To adopt customary use, communities must document the long-standing history of public beach use. We’re asking residents, visitors, and businesses to share historical materials (from the 1940s on) showing public use of the beaches in Indian Shores and Redington Shores.
Helpful historical documentation includes:
- Photographs of people using the beach, public events, or beach maintenance
- News articles
- Personal stories or family history
- Brochures promoting the beaches
Most data collection will wrap up in late July 2026, but submissions will continue to be accepted afterward.
Providing Evidence of Customary Use
- Use the Customary Use Reporter Map below to drop a pin, upload photos, and add commentary.
- Submit written or recorded oral history.
- Provide affidavits (free notary and recording resources coming soon).
- Email sboyles@pinellas.gov with support documentation or for assistance with scanning original records.
Customary Use Reporter Map
- Click the map above. Once there, click the “Proceed to Reporter” button.
- Click the “Start a Submission” button at the bottom left of the screen.
- Drop a point on the map to show where your information applies.
- Add details and upload any attachments.
- Click the “Submit” button to receive confirmation.