The last of several Treasure Coast legal challenges to Brightline was dropped by Martin County on Friday, a development that could ease All Aboard Florida’s path to Phase 2 of the project.

Martin County had contested validity of the Florida Development Finance Corp. approving $1.75 billion of tax-free bonds for All Aboard Florida's passenger railroad, which is to run between Miami and Orlando, with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

It's to begin limited service, between Miami and West Palm Beach, this fall, with expansion to Orlando still several years away.

From the outset, the project has sparked opposition from the Treasure Coast, but has been greeted warmly along the Space Coast.

Martin County, in its legal challenge, filed in Orange County, argued the Finance Corp. failed to afford the county due process, and that the Finance Corp. decision lacked “competent, substantial evidence."

But on Friday, the county dropped the case.

Ruth Holmes, senior assistant county attorney and the litigator overseeing the county's All Aboard Florida work, said dropping the case represents a victory for Martin County.

The county's goal all along was to force All Aboard Florida to find alternative financing to private-activity bonds.

Since the Finance Corp. issued the $1.75 billion of bonds, All Aboard Florida has, in fact, dropped its request, and now is seeking money only for Phase 1, with the possibility of seeking more than $1 billion for Phase 2.

"We got the result we wanted," County Attorney Sarah Woods said Monday.

Holmes said Martin County's next move is yet to be determined.

“We reserve our right to challenge any future issuance of bonds, but right now, we’re just in a holding pattern,” Holmes said.

All Aboard Florida officials on Monday said they look forward to working with the Treasure Coast in the future.

“Brightline continues progress on its Phase 2 extension to Orlando. We look forward to continuing to work with the communities in the Treasure Coast, especially on partnerships with quiet zones, similar to our efforts in South Florida," the company said in an email. "These are important steps forward as we build a transportation system for Florida’s future.”

Martin and Indian River counties have taken action on several legal fronts, most notably a joint federal court case, which was dismissed earlier this summer.

The counties also have challenged the issuance of some of the dozens of environmental permits All Aboard Florida needs before beginning work.

Last week, All Aboard Florida successfully secured a needed water permit that previously was unsuccessfully challenged by the Treasure Coast.

Martin County and St. Lucie counties still are challenging a South Florida Water Management District permit for All Aboard Florida, according to Dylan Reingold, Indian River County attorney.

Reingold declined to comment on Martin County's action. Indian River County, he said, has filed no new challenges and has no additional legal action “planned at this time.”

Martin and Indian River counties have allocated or spent more than $6 million in their legal fight against All Aboard Florida.

Brightline is to begin limited South Florida service this fall with expansion to Orlando still several years away.