![[Brian Littrell] in Florida neighbor dispute.](https://floridarealestatewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/e4bbc1e1journalist2F81a58c18-bf7c-4bed-8b65-f7a5531e7a932Fthumbnail.jpeg "Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell Faces Legal Setback in Florida Neighbor Dispute")
Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell has experienced a significant legal setback in his lawsuit against a Florida neighbor. The singer accused Carolyn Barrington Hill of trespassing and causing emotional distress at his beachfront property. However, a judge has dismissed Littrell’s claim for emotional damages, ruling that such claims are not applicable in a trespassing case.
Key Takeaways
- A judge dismissed Brian Littrell’s claim for emotional damages in his trespassing lawsuit against neighbor Carolyn Barrington Hill.
- The judge ruled that Littrell failed to provide evidence of Hill accessing areas where he had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Littrell’s legal team plans to file an amended complaint.
- Hill’s defense asserts her right to access the shoreline, a right protected by the Florida Constitution.
The Lawsuit Unfolds
Brian Littrell, along with his wife Leighanne and their company BLB Beach Hut LLC, filed a lawsuit in September against their neighbor, Carolyn Barrington Hill. Littrell alleged that Hill repeatedly trespassed on his $3.8 million Santa Rosa Beach property, despite the presence of "No Trespassing" signs and other demarcations. The suit claimed Hill sought to "antagonize, bully, and harass" the Littrell family by coming onto their property, shouting, cursing at their property manager, and setting up beach furniture.
Littrell further contended that he suffered emotional harm as a result of Hill’s alleged actions. He also claimed that Florida law restricts public beach access to the high tide line behind private properties. The singer stated he was forced to hire security and contact the police to remove Hill from his property on multiple occasions.
Judicial Dismissal and Future Steps
On February 17, Walton County Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Schlechter dismissed Littrell’s entire lawsuit against Hill. The judge’s ruling specified that emotional damages cannot be claimed in a trespassing case. Furthermore, Judge Schlechter found that Littrell did not present sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Hill had accessed parts of his property where he held a "reasonable expectation of privacy."
While the lawsuit was dismissed, the judge granted Littrell 20 days to refile with the correct legal factors. Littrell’s lawyer, Peter Ticktin, confirmed their intention to file an amended complaint, describing the process as normal procedure for refining legal complaints.
Neighbor’s Defense and Beach Access Rights
Carolyn Barrington Hill, who brands herself as "semi-retired" and "on Medicare," has maintained her right to access the shoreline. Her lawyer, Heidi Mehaffey, praised the judge’s decision, stating it saw "through the legal insufficiencies in the complaint." Mehaffey emphasized that the Florida Constitution protects Hill’s access to the shorelines for enjoying the beach, which she has frequented for decades. She added that Hill will continue to defend the right of all individuals to access Walton County beaches without fear of litigation.
Littrell, who purchased the beachfront home in 2023, had been seeking to ensure the "peaceful use of their beach" amidst what his legal team described as harassment from "numerous organizations."