The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced on Mar. 25 that it has reached a major milestone in its Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative, having completed all airborne LiDAR data collection and received most vessel-based sonar data for mapping the state’s coastal waters.
This development is significant because it marks progress toward producing the most comprehensive map of Florida’s seafloor to date, with public release expected in fall 2026. Such detailed mapping supports coastal planning, environmental protection, and resource management.
DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said, “Florida’s coastline is one of our state’s greatest natural and economic assets, supporting millions of residents, tourism, commercial fisheries and critical infrastructure. Understanding the seafloor and the features that shape our coast helps us make smart decisions about protecting communities, strengthening resilience and investing taxpayer dollars where they will have the greatest impact.”
The initiative uses advanced technologies including airborne LiDAR systems for shallow water depth measurement using laser pulses and vessel-based multibeam sonar for high-resolution deepwater mapping. High-resolution data collected through these methods aids in identifying offshore sand sources for beach nourishment projects, improving storm surge modeling, and guiding efforts to protect coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Kimberly Jackson, Florida Geographic Information Officer, said: “Through FSMI, we have mapped more than 75,500 square kilometers using LiDAR and more than 64,000 square kilometers using sonar technologies. Before this initiative began, only about 25,600 square kilometers of Florida’s seafloor had been mapped. Today we have mapped more than 14 times that amount.” Early analysis has revealed new insights into ancient shorelines near Miami as well as previously unknown mesophotic coral reefs off Pensacola.
Scientists are working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to further study these newly identified deepwater reefs through remotely operated vehicle dives. The gathered information is also being integrated with inland elevation datasets via collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey to create a seamless digital elevation model from uplands to offshore bathymetry.
According to the official website of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, DEP supports efforts to build resilient coasts through restoration initiatives; maintains state parks providing recreational opportunities; oversees more than 175 parks; aims to safeguard air, water and land resources; serves all regions with statewide programs; and offers services such as environmental permitting and waste management regulation.
