Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell Files Second Lawsuit Over Florida Beach Access
Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell has initiated a second legal action against a retiree, Carolyn Barrington Hill, 67, in an ongoing dispute over public access to the beachfront area of his Florida mansion. The new lawsuit follows a previous case that was dismissed on a technicality by a judge last week.
Legal Battle Over Beachfront Property
According to reports from the New York Post, Littrell alleges that Hill illegally trespassed on his Santa Rosa property in the Florida panhandle by walking on the dry sand behind his US$3.8 million home. The singer claims this occurred multiple times between April and September 2025. Littrell's initial lawsuit, filed in September 2025, was thrown out by Judge Jonathan Schlechter, who ruled that emotional damages could not be sought for trespassing claims. However, the judge granted Littrell 20 days to refile with revised charges.
The new civil case, filed in Walton County, includes seven trespassing charges against Hill and seeks unspecified damages. Littrell contends that under Florida law, the public is only permitted to use the beach up to the high tide line, which he argues Hill crossed. To enforce his property rights, Littrell installed private property signs and beach furniture and even hired a private security guard. He also alleges that Hill filmed him and his family without consent and refused to leave the property.
Defense and Public Access Rights
Hill's lawyer, Heidi Mehaffey, has countered these claims, stating that Littrell cannot prove Hill crossed the high tide line and describing the allegations as vague. Mehaffey told the New York Post that she believes the new lawsuit will also be dismissed. She emphasized Hill's position that all individuals have a constitutional right to access Florida's beaches without fear of litigation, regardless of social or financial status.
Mehaffey further argued that the Florida Constitution protects Hill's right to use the shoreline in Walton County, where she has recreated for decades without any trespassing citations. She asserted that no member of the public should face costly litigation simply for enjoying beaches as guaranteed by the Constitution. This case highlights a broader conflict between private property owners and public access advocates in Florida, where laws regarding beach use are often contested.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have implications for similar disputes across the state, as it tests the boundaries of property rights versus public enjoyment of natural resources. Littrell's persistence in pursuing legal action underscores the high stakes involved for both parties, with potential precedents set for future cases. As the legal proceedings continue, the debate over beach access in Florida remains a contentious issue, drawing attention from property owners, environmentalists, and the general public alike.
