Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws on March 19 aimed at protecting the state’s coastlines and improving coastal resilience. The governor also announced reconstruction plans for the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers, which are set to reopen after rehabilitation projects.
The legislation is intended to safeguard Florida’s natural resources, support environmental protection, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the state’s coastline. According to the official website, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection supported efforts to build resilient coasts and communities through restoration and planning initiatives.
“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 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. When a recent proposal threatened the future of the islands and coastlines that border the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, I made a commitment to stop it. 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. Since I was a teen, I have explored these natural treasures, and now future generations will have the opportunity to see, enjoy and love the Terra Ceia we know today.”
Representative Will Robinson said: “Florida’s natural resources are central to our economy, our way of life, and our future. This legislation takes historic steps toward environmental protection and resiliency, ensuring that our coastal communities stay strong, our waters stay clean, and our state is preserved for generations to come. I want to thank Governor DeSantis for signing this important legislation and for all the work he has done to conserve our state’s natural habitats.”
Senate Bill 302 prohibits dredging or filling submerged lands in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve except for passive recreational activities like fishing or boating. It requires any changes in management go through transparent approval processes at the state level while expanding nature-based solutions such as wetland rehabilitation or oyster reef restoration along with mangrove expansion across peninsular Florida.
House Bill 1417 repeals an outdated commission in order to streamline environmental rulemaking processes; it also ratifies rules ensuring sufficient water supply along key North Florida rivers while strengthening stormwater management around solar fields.
Governor DeSantis also shared updates about improvements underway at Sunshine Skyway fishing piers—including new construction on Manatee County side plus enhancements on Pinellas County side—aimed at restoring access during construction by building temporary piers.
According to its official website, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection maintained state parks providing recreational opportunities across Florida; oversaw more than 175 parks as well as trails/historic sites; aimed at safeguarding air/water/land resources; served all regions with statewide programs; offered services including project permitting/waste management regulation.
