Backstreet Boy Brian littrell Sues Florida Woman for $50K Over Beach Trespassing – Power Drill Confrontation Caught on Camera
Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell filed a $50,000 lawsuit against 67-year-old Carolyn Barrington Hill in September 2024, alleging she repeatedly trespassed on his Santa Rosa Beach property, harassed staff, filmed without consent, and encouraged others to join her. Hill filed a motion to dismiss on November 19, arguing the complaint violates her constitutional right to use her local beach, with a hearing scheduled for December 11, 2024.
What Is the Brian Littrell Lawsuit About?
The 50-year-old singer and his wife Leighanne, 56, purchased their $3.8 million three-bedroom Santa Rosa Beach home in February 2023. The lawsuit claims Hill repeatedly and intentionally trespassed between late April and mid-September 2024, causing damages and emotional distress, with counts including trespassing to real property, invasion of privacy, recording without consent, and stalking.
The Littrells claim they marked their property with chairs, umbrellas, tables, and “no trespassing” signs, but Hill allegedly set up her own beach furniture and verbally attacked their property manager.
The Power Drill Incident Caught on Body Camera
Body camera footage from May 2024 captured a confrontation that became central to the dispute. Hill warned a Walton County Sheriff’s deputy: “And next time he gets four feet away from me with that drill, I’m bringing out pepper spray,” referring to the Littrells’ property manager who admitted to brandishing a drill but said he never intended to use it as a weapon.
In the video, Hill becomes increasingly distressed after being told to move from her spot on the beach, with the deputy trying to calm her by saying he doesn’t agree with private beaches himself and telling her she’ll be fine if she moves in front of another property.
Who Is Carolyn Barrington Hill?
Carolyn Barrington Hill is a 67-year-old local resident who allegedly entered the Littrells’ property numerous times without authorization. The lawsuit claims Hill “set out to antagonize, bully, and harass the Littrell family” through repeated trespassing incidents.
Hill also allegedly filmed the Littrells without consent and encouraged other members of the public to trespass.
Brian Littrell Also Sued the Sheriff’s Office
This isn’t Littrell’s only lawsuit over his private beach. In June 2024, Littrell’s company BLB Beach Hut LLC filed a lawsuit against the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, alleging they failed to fulfill their duty to enforce his private property rights.
Court documents claim “numerous trespassers have set out to antagonize, bully, and harass the Littrell family by regularly, every day, trespassing on [Littrell’s residence], in open defiance of the law”.
A representative for Littrell stated they want “the right to peaceful enjoyment of their property” and criticized the sheriff’s department for not enforcing trespassing laws.
Hill’s Defense: Constitutional Right to Beach Access
Hill’s motion to dismiss argues the complaint “attempts to deter [her] from exercising her constitutional right to be present at her local beach in Walton County, Florida”. Her attorney filed the motion on November 19, claiming there is a lack of specificity, improperly pled claims, and an inability to support those claims.
Hill previously requested extra time to retain an attorney due to work obligations.
Florida’s Complex Private Beach Laws
Understanding this dispute requires knowing Florida’s controversial beach access laws.
The Mean High Water Line
Florida law states the public has the right to freely use all beaches “below mean high water,” which the state holds “in trust for the recreational use of the public”. The mean high water line rarely includes all the dry sand, and sometimes is only the wet sand, making legal descriptions of “mean high water” subject to interpretation.
All land below mean high water is owned by the state of Florida, out to a distance of three miles.
The Dry Sand Dilemma
Privately owned beachfront property can extend to the mean high water line, including all the dry sand, but not all private property lines extend to that average high tide line. A specific property’s recorded deed must be examined to determine if it extends all the way to the water.
This creates the heart of the dispute: Who owns the dry sand where Hill set up her beach furniture?
Customary Use Rights
A 1974 Florida Supreme Court case stated: “If recreational use of the sandy area adjacent to mean high tide has been ancient, reasonable, without interruption and free from dispute, such use, as a matter of custom, should not be interfered with by the owner”.
However, this public beach right must be determined to exist by a judge in a court of law, with the party seeking the determination required to prove it exists.
The 2018 Law and 2025 Reform
House Bill 631 (2018) restricted local governments from declaring customary use of private beaches without a judicial ruling, meaning counties must now prove in court that the public has the right to access certain dry sand areas.
Senate Bill 1622, signed into law on June 24, 2024, updates how Florida handles beach access by restoring some local authority, allowing counties to recognize customary use without requiring costly judicial declarations.
The 2024 law allows local governments to adopt ordinances recognizing recreational customary use, permitting walking, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing on dry sand areas that had been more restricted since 2018.
This Isn’t the Littrells’ First Beach Confrontation
Footage from April 2023 showed Brian and Leighanne confronting other beachgoers about property lines, with Leighanne pointing out the water’s edge as public space while holding a “no trespassing” sign. The incident went viral on social media shortly after they purchased the home.
The Littrells’ property manager has been criticized for allegedly provoking disputes over beach access, with witnesses describing feeling threatened when the manager approached them while carrying a power tool.
What the $50K Demand Covers
The lawsuit seeks $50,000 in damages for:
- Repeated trespassing on private property
- Harassment and intimidation of the Littrell family
- Emotional distress
- Invasion of privacy
- Recording without consent
- Encouraging others to trespass
- Costs of hiring private security
The Littrells claim their efforts to mark boundaries and prevent trespassing “have been in vain,” prompting them to hire private security.
Current Case Status and Next Steps
The hearing on Hill’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for December 11, 2025, with Littrell’s lawyers reportedly feeling the issue will be resolved quickly.
Possible outcomes include:
Dismissal: If the judge agrees Hill has a constitutional right to use the beach, the case could be dismissed.
Amendment: The court could allow Littrell to amend his complaint to address deficiencies Hill’s attorney identified.
Trial: If the motion to dismiss is denied, the case proceeds to discovery and potentially trial.
Settlement: The parties could negotiate a resolution before the December hearing.
Legal Basis Under Florida Law
Florida Trespassing Statutes
Florida Statute 810.09 defines trespass on property as willfully entering or remaining on property after warning. Property owners must provide notice through fencing, posted signs, or verbal warning.
Property Rights vs. Public Access
The core legal question: Does Hill have a customary use right to the dry sand on Littrell’s property, or is she trespassing on legitimately private land?
Florida’s Constitution states all land seaward of the mean high-water line is public, and this includes the wet, compact sand, while the dry sand above this line is often privately owned.
Walton County’s Unique Situation
Walton County was the only Florida county to pursue the judicial process to establish customary use after the 2018 law, filing a lawsuit that is still underway to determine whether customary use applies to portions of its 26-mile coastline.
Walton County’s 2016 ordinance declared beachgoers had a recreational public right to use portions of private beachfront property, which private property owners challenged.
Implications for Celebrity Privacy and Property Rights
This case highlights the tension between celebrity property rights and public beach access in Florida.
For Property Owners
Owning beachfront property in Florida doesn’t guarantee exclusive use of all sand up to your home. The mean high water line and customary use doctrines can limit private property rights.
For Beachgoers
Visitors should understand the mean high water line, check local regulations, and respect private property while knowing their rights in cases of customary use disputes.
The Social Media Factor
Social media coverage, including viral TikTok videos showing confrontations, has intensified public scrutiny of private beach disputes. Local Facebook groups have featured the disputes prominently.
Similar Cases in Florida
Florida’s beach access disputes aren’t unique to the Littrells:
Mike Huckabee’s Property: Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee was among high-profile property owners who pushed back against Walton County’s 2016 ordinance, arguing it infringed on their rights.
Walton County Litigation: Walton County spent nearly $8 million in litigation trying to restore public beach access after the 2018 law.
Multiple Confrontations: Beach access disputes in Walton County have resulted in numerous confrontations between property owners and beachgoers, with security guards patrolling the sand.
Timeline of the Littrell Beach Dispute
February 2023: Brian and Leighanne Littrell purchase $3.8 million Santa Rosa Beach home
April 2023: Viral video captures Littrells confronting beachgoers about property lines
Late April 2024: Alleged trespassing incidents with Carolyn Barrington Hill begin
May 2024: Body camera footage captures power drill confrontation between Hill and deputy
June 19, 2024: Littrell files lawsuit against Walton County Sheriff’s Office
Mid-September 2024: Alleged trespassing incidents continue
September 2024: Littrell files $50,000 lawsuit against Hill
November 19, 2025: Hill files motion to dismiss the lawsuit
December 11, 2025: Hearing scheduled on motion to dismiss
What Happens If Littrell Wins?
If the court rules in Littrell’s favor:
- Hill would owe $50,000 in damages
- A precedent would be set for enforcing private beach boundaries in Walton County
- Other beachgoers could face similar lawsuits
- The dispute could strengthen private property claims against customary use
What Happens If Hill Wins?
If the court dismisses the lawsuit:
- Hill’s constitutional beach access argument would be validated
- Other beachgoers might feel emboldened to use disputed dry sand areas
- The case could support Walton County’s customary use claims
- Littrell’s private property protections would be weakened
The Broader Beach Access Battle
This lawsuit is part of a larger conflict in Florida between:
Property Owners who argue they purchased expensive beachfront homes with the understanding they owned to the water line.
Local Residents who claim they’ve used these beaches for generations and shouldn’t be excluded now.
Tourists who come to Florida expecting public beach access and encounter private property claims.
Local Governments trying to balance property rights with public access and tourism interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Backstreet Boys Lawsuit
Which Backstreet Boy is suing the Florida woman?
Brian Littrell, 50, one of the founding members of the Backstreet Boys, filed the lawsuit along with his wife Leighanne against Carolyn Barrington Hill.
What exactly is Brian Littrell claiming?
Littrell alleges Hill repeatedly trespassed on his private Santa Rosa Beach property between late April and mid-September 2024, harassed his staff, filmed without consent, brought her own beach furniture onto his property, and encouraged others to trespass.
What is the power drill incident about?
Body camera footage from May 2024 shows Hill telling a sheriff’s deputy that the Littrells’ property manager threatened her by approaching with a power drill, which she interpreted as a weapon. The property manager admitted brandishing the drill but denied intending to use it as a weapon.
Why is Hill fighting the lawsuit?
Hill argues the lawsuit violates her constitutional right to access her local beach in Walton County. Her attorney filed a motion to dismiss claiming the complaint lacks specificity and contains improperly pled claims.
When is the court hearing?
A hearing on Hill’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for December 11, 2025.
Did Brian Littrell sue anyone else over his beach?
Yes, in June 2024, Littrell filed a separate lawsuit against the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, alleging they failed to enforce his private property rights against trespassers.
How much is the Santa Rosa Beach property worth?
The Littrells purchased the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home for $3.8 million in February 2023.
What is Florida’s mean high water line law?
Florida law establishes that all land seaward of the mean high water line is public property, while the dry sand above this line can be privately owned. The exact boundary is often disputed.
Can you walk on private beaches in Florida?
You can walk on wet sand below the mean high water line, which is public property. Walking or setting up on dry sand in front of private homes may be considered trespassing unless customary use rights apply, which must be proven in court.
Has this case been resolved?
No. As of late November 2025, the case is pending with a hearing scheduled for December 11, 2025 on Hill’s motion to dismiss.
What is customary use in Florida?
Customary use is a legal doctrine stating that if the public has historically used certain beach areas for recreation in a way that is “ancient, reasonable, without interruption and free from dispute,” that use should be protected even on private property. A judge must determine if customary use applies.
Are other Florida property owners dealing with similar disputes?
Yes. Walton County has experienced numerous beach access disputes involving wealthy homeowners and the public, with the county spending nearly $8 million in litigation to protect public access rights.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Brian Littrell lawsuit and Florida beach access laws. It does not constitute legal advice. If you’re involved in a similar property dispute or trespassing case, consult with a Florida-licensed attorney familiar with property law and beach access rights.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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