In 1994, Coy Koontz applied for a permit to develop his property near Orlando Florida. The St. Johns River Management District approved the permit under two conditions: One, Mr Koontz would give them a large portion of his land and two, he would be required to pay thousands of dollars to develop government property located over 7 miles away. That proviso was unacceptable to Mr. Koontz, so he decided to fight back feeling the St. Johns River Management district was using a form of extortion.

Koontz continued litigation until his death in 2000. His son, Coy Koontz Jr. became the executor of his fathers estate, and chose to continue the fight in part because his father taught him “The only way you fail is when you quit trying.” After almost two decades of opposition, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down their decision.

Under the Fifth Amendment, private property can not be taken for public use without just compensation. Mr. Koontz felt that by denying his permit, the St. Johns River Management District was indeed encroaching on his constitutional rights.

The Freedom Foundation and Pacific Legal Foundation took time to discuss how this Supreme Court decision impacts Washington State residents, local impact fees, mitigation fees and buffers. (Video above)

For more context on the Coy Koontz decision, watch the videos below.