Brian Littrell Sues Beach Trespasser for $50,000 in Florida

Brian Littrell, a member of the renowned pop group the Backstreet Boys, is pursuing legal action against a woman who allegedly trespassed on his private beach in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The lawsuit, filed for $50,000, claims that Carolyn Barrington Hill has repeatedly entered the property without permission and engaged in confrontations with Littrell’s property manager.

The 50-year-old singer, alongside his wife, Leighanne Littrell, 56, asserts that Hill, 67, has violated their privacy multiple times since late April 2023. According to court documents, Hill has been accused of setting up her own beach furniture on their property and verbally harassing the property manager when asked to leave. The couple maintains that despite placing “no trespassing” signs and other markers on their land, their efforts have been largely ineffective.

Allegations of Harassment and Disturbance

The Littrells allege that Hill’s behavior has extended beyond mere trespassing. They claim she has verbally threatened them, even videotaping their interactions without consent. The couple has reportedly hired private security to ensure their safety, but tensions escalated to the point where they involved the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, which they are also suing for failing to uphold their property rights.

Littrell’s company, BLB Beach Hut LLC, filed the lawsuit against the sheriff’s office on June 19, 2023. The legal complaint accuses the office of neglecting its duty to enforce private property rights, stating that “numerous trespassers have set out to antagonize, bully, and harass the Littrell family.”

Florida law stipulates that all land seaward of the mean high-water line is public, with the dry sand above this line often privately owned. This legal nuance has become a focal point in the ongoing disputes over the Littrells’ property.

Confrontation and Legal Proceedings

Reports indicate that tensions peaked in May when an incident involving Hill and deputies was captured on video. During this encounter, Hill expressed distress after being asked to vacate the area, claiming she had been threatened by the property manager. She mentioned a specific encounter involving an electric drill, asserting that she felt threatened and would resort to pepper spray if necessary. The property manager confirmed that he had used the drill but clarified that it was not intended as a weapon.

Hill has since filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit against her, arguing that it seeks to curtail her constitutional right to be present at the beach. In her filing, she referred to the complaint as “facially deficient.” A hearing regarding this motion is scheduled for next month.

Following the initiation of the lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, a representative for Littrell emphasized that the family seeks only to enjoy their property peacefully. He criticized the sheriff’s office for allegedly failing to act against trespassers, stating, “The trespassers who are occupying his backyard at will are almost encouraged by a feckless sheriff’s department.”

This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities surrounding private property rights in coastal areas, particularly as public access laws intersect with individual ownership. The Littrells continue to advocate for their rights, seeking a resolution that allows them to reclaim their personal space.