By Patricia Lee
State Legislators Preserving Public Access & Preventing Construction of Large Condo Development In Destin
This month in our Destinites Facebook group for locals (www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinites) was the following post and discussion. You may view the post and replies in their entirety, on the group page.
Florida state legislators initiated a budget provision to consider spending $84.5 million to purchase a waterfront parcel at the end of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. The primary reason for the potential purchase was to preserve public access to the water and prevent the construction of a large, private condominium development.
As of late September 2025, Florida’s state cabinet did approve purchasing about 4 acres of waterfront property in Destin for roughly $84 million. The deal was bundled with other state land acquisitions, and one cabinet member expressed objections, but ultimately approved the package.
Key reasons for the proposed purchase.
- Preventing development: According to State Senator Jay Trumbull, who requested the funding language, the purchase would block a planned 100-condo tower from being built on the site. The parcel is a desirable waterfront location, and the state would be preventing private development from consuming one of the last undeveloped parcels in the area.
- Expanding public access: Purchasing the land would create a new public park, ensuring that residents and tourists can continue to access the Gulf. Trumbull highlighted this goal, noting that the purchase would allow “300 families on it on any given Tuesday” versus a limited number of private condo owners.
- Local support: Okaloosa County has also voiced support for the project, though county officials reportedly did not request the specific budget language. The proposed purchase aligns with broader local efforts to expand and protect public beach access points.
Budget process and next steps.
The $84.5 million provision was included in the 2025-26 state budget by Senate negotiators.
While Governor DeSantis did not initiate the request, the final budget, including this provision, was approved by the legislature and then signed by the governor.
Some local resident, group member responses:
1. From what I understand, they couldn’t get the permit to put a condo there because the ground would not support it. Why are we wasting this much money on that small piece of property?
2. I thought the condo project was canceled because the ground was too soft to build on. If that’s the case we (taxpayers) are WAY over paying for this. Who else is the developer going to sell it to? I smell a rat in this deal.
3. Any chances they would turn it into paid public? Like a pay to park spot for that beach area or turn the point into a paid beach zone to make up for that 84.5 mil? How does Destin plan to get that money back; it’s not common for Destin to spend without a certainty of a return. I’m all for no more condos being built, but I am curious how this may affect the locals in positive and negative ways.
4. It sounds a lot like a bailout to me.
5. How would 300 families logistically enjoy this parcel? There isn’t enough parking for 300 cars down there.
6. Yeah, I don’t think anyone in Destin would want 300 cars down there – but we do want the land.
7. Waste of taxpayers’ money with no parking.
8. Maybe – but would rather have the state funds here versus spent in another location of Florida – also even though Holiday Isle is *not* a gated community they are letting the City know they are having trouble with getting to their homes (mostly summer & NYE) – so more parking might just jam up the area for both resident and “park goer”- not sure unless someone takes data of course & then that’s still only a few months a year – maybe need volunteers to help manage parking & have an active readout near Gulf Shore Dr. & Hwy. 98 when parking is FULL.
9. No more condos!
10. I’m interested in how the $84.5MIL price was established.
If you are a Destin resident or in the close surrounding area, I invite you to join our private, targeted group for locals and property owners at Facebook. com/groups/Destinites with 12,000+ members (Est. Oct. 2018). Check out our local business directory at Destinites.com where 500+ local businesses are already listed and enjoy advertising in our targeted group.
