To what distance does coastal ownership of land extend in Texas?

In Texas, the ownership of coastal land extends to 3 marine leagues from the mean high tide line. A marine league is defined as approximately 3.452 miles, so this distance translates to roughly 10.4 miles offshore. This rule stems from historical legal principles rooted in Texas law and the common law, which were influenced by maritime boundaries established in earlier legal precedents.

The 3 marine leagues delineate the public and private ownership boundary for coastal areas, meaning that landowners are typically considered to own the land up to this designated distance from the shoreline. Beyond this, the state has jurisdiction over the waters and submerged lands.

Knowledge of this specific distance is crucial in land surveying and property law, especially concerning maritime and coastal properties, as it impacts ownership rights, land use, and development regulations along the Texas coastline. Understanding this concept is vital for professionals engaged in surveying, land management, and real estate in coastal regions of Texas.