A local petition drive may be necessary. For support, contact the office of your senator or congressman. The federal government would prefer that people not build on some of these sites, known as Coastal Barrier Resources Areas. But property owners have the right to use their land any way they choose. They're on their own, however, and prohibited from taking part in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Companies particularly prize the owners' business.
If you're in that category, you know who you are.