Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws on March 19 aimed at protecting the state’s coastlines and improving coastal resilience. The announcement included plans to reopen the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers after reconstruction projects.
The new legislation is intended to safeguard Florida’s environment, which is central to the state’s economy and way of life. The measures focus on preserving natural resources, strengthening protections for sensitive areas, and ensuring future generations can enjoy Florida’s coastlines.
“My administration has delivered historic investments to protect Florida’s 1,300 miles of coastline,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today, I signed legislation to preserve the Terra Ceia Bay and to build on our work to promote coastal resiliency and water quality statewide. We are committed to protecting Florida’s environment for future generations to enjoy.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said, “Protecting Florida’s environment has been a top priority of the DeSantis Administration from day one. House Bill 1417 streamlines processes so the department can carry out its mission more efficiently while maintaining strong environmental protections, including ratifying a rule to restore the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and their priority springs. Along with Senate Bill 302, which strengthens protections for the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and supports nature-based solutions to improve coastal resilience, these bills help ensure Florida’s natural resources remain strong for generations to come.”
Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd thanked Governor DeSantis for signing the bills into law: “My amendment is a small part of this broader bill to strengthen coastal resiliency, but it will have a big impact on this region for decades to come… With this bill now signed into law, this region, the precious coastlines, pristine waters and wildlife habitats are effectively protected from massive transformations that would have destroyed them.” Representative Will Robinson added that these steps are historic in terms of environmental protection and resiliency.
Senate Bill 302 prohibits dredging or filling submerged lands in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve except for passive recreational activities like fishing or boating. It also requires any changes in management go through a transparent approval process at the state level. The bill encourages nature-based solutions such as wetland rehabilitation and oyster reef restoration while streamlining permitting processes.
House Bill 1417 repeals an outdated commission in order to speed up environmental rulemaking. It also ratifies rules meant to secure water supply along key North Florida rivers and ensures rigorous stormwater management around solar fields.
Governor DeSantis announced updates on Sunshine Skyway fishing piers construction projects designed to improve access and safety while restoring recreational opportunities during ongoing work.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection supported efforts across all regions of Florida through restoration initiatives according to its official website. The agency maintained over 175 state parks as well as trails and historic sites throughout the state according to its official website. Its programs aim at safeguarding air, water, land resources statewide according to its official website, offering services such as project permitting and waste management regulation according to its official website.
