Today, the US Supreme Court ruled unanimously against Florida property owners in the Stop the Beach Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, et al. However, like the Kelo case, this property rights case may have a silver lining. There are two postive aspects of this ruling. First, it opens the door to state-level legislative reforms to address the key issues which prompted the case - the absence of due process protections and compensation for property owners impacted by beach renourishment/restoration projects. Secondly, four justices on the court joined in an opinion recognizing that the judicial branch of government is not insulated from the protections afforded to private property rights by the U.S. Constitution. This statement represents a very positive development in the Court's consideration of judicial takings arguments.

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION: To contact CPR for a property rights perspective on this case should call CPR Executive Director Carol Saviak at 321-231-6085.