Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws on March 19 aimed at protecting the state’s coastlines and strengthening efforts for coastal resilience and restoration. The governor also announced plans to reopen the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers after reconstruction projects.
The new legislation is intended to preserve natural resources, improve water quality, and ensure that Florida’s environment remains protected for future generations. These measures are seen as significant steps in maintaining the state’s economic vitality and safeguarding its iconic recreational destinations.
“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.”
Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 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 legislation: “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 “this legislation takes historic steps toward environmental protection and resiliency,” ensuring clean waters and preserved habitats.
Senate Bill 302 prohibits dredging or filling submerged lands in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve except for passive recreation like fishing or boating. It requires any changes go through transparent state-level approval processes. The bill also expands nature-based solutions such as wetland rehabilitation and oyster reef restoration along with streamlined permitting processes.
House Bill 1417 repeals an outdated commission to speed up environmental rulemaking while keeping protections strong. It ratifies rules ensuring sufficient water supply along key North Florida rivers and tightens stormwater management around solar fields.
The Sunshine Skyway fishing piers will see both reconstruction of existing structures and construction of new ones with improved access features like wider sidewalks. Temporary piers are being built quickly so fishing opportunities continue during construction.
According to the official website, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection supported efforts to build resilient coasts through restoration initiatives; maintained state parks providing recreation across Florida; oversaw more than 175 parks, trails, and historic sites; aimed to safeguard air, water, and land resources; served all regions with statewide programs; and offered services including project permitting and waste management regulation.
