A new law to guarantee public access to beaches in Florida is passing through the state legislature.

The draft bill will ensure that it is illegal for private landowners to block access to a beach or put up signs claiming it is private land, the Tampa Tribune reports.

Under the present law, all parts of the beach seaward of the median high water mark are public property, but some people have sought to deny access to the public by such means.

The legislation could be good news for those buying Florida property near to the coast, as it will guarantee their access to nearby beaches.

Speaking in the state legislature in Tallahassee, member of the House agriculture and natural resources policy committee Maria Sachs said: "With more and more coastal development, we need the state of Florida to step up and say that Florida beaches belong to all Floridians."

Florida property in coastal locations such as Daytona Beach and Palm Coast is included among the 48 lots currently being auctioned online by Rowell Realty & Auction, with the sale being announced earlier this month and continuing until March 31st.

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