Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell Says “American Dream” at Risk in Beach Trespassing Dispute
Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell has filed a lawsuit against the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, claiming the department has failed to enforce trespassing laws on his private beachfront property. Littrell insists his “American dream” of owning a peaceful family retreat is under threat.
Legal Battle Begins
On June 19, Littrell’s company, BLB Beach Hut, LLC, filed a writ of mandamus, a legal action requesting the court compel law enforcement to fulfill their duty. He argues deputies have neglected repeated requests to remove trespassers despite visible “No Trespassing” signs, chairs, umbrellas, and other boundary markers.
Daily Harassment and Escalations
The lawsuit outlines ongoing disturbances:
Beachgoers allegedly cross several public access points to reach Littrell’s private area and “antagonize, bully and harass” his family.
On May 4, bodycam footage captured a deputy saying he “doesn’t agree with private beaches” and calling Littrell’s concerns “lunacy."
On June 5, a trespasser reportedly grabbed legal documents from Littrell’s property manager and scattered them on the sand; the department allegedly ignored multiple calls and even disconnected a 911 request.
In response, Littrell hired private security, lamenting that as taxpayers and property owners, they deserve equal protection.
Sheriff’s Office Responds
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement expressing general professionalism:
“The Walton County Sheriff's Office prides itself on handling every situation, call for service, or interaction with professionalism using a customer service approach.”
They refused to comment directly on the pending litigation.
Littrell’s Message
Littrell spoke with Fox News Digital, emphasizing this is about “truth and the law” and safeguarding his family’s right to enjoy their home in peace. He said people targeting his private beach seem to resent someone attaining the American Dream, and he hopes the lawsuit will “draw the line in the sand” about respecting private property.
Littrell, who purchased the $3.8 million Santa Rosa Beach property in February 2023, says he wants to enjoy sunsets and memories—with no dramas or headlines.
A Clash Between Public Access and Private Ownership
At the heart of this legal dispute is a long-standing tension that affects many coastal communities: the delicate balance between public beach access rights and private property ownership. Florida’s complex coastline laws often result in overlapping interpretations. While the public has access to the wet sand portion of beaches due to customary use doctrine, the dry sand portion—especially when deeded to private owners—can be off-limits. Littrell’s lawsuit challenges not just unauthorized foot traffic, but what he views as an unwillingness from authorities to respect property boundaries legally affirmed by a 2020 Florida law recognizing certain beachfront parcels as private.
What Comes Next
The court’s decision on Littrell’s writ of mandamus could set an important precedent for similar property disputes across Florida and other coastal states. If successful, it may compel sheriff’s departments to more aggressively enforce private property lines, even in contentious public areas. Alternatively, a dismissal might embolden beachgoers and local officials who believe in maintaining open access wherever possible. Meanwhile, Littrell’s legal team continues to document incidents, file complaints, and prepare for what they describe as a protracted legal battle to defend his family's peace and privacy.