BRADENTON, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed two pieces of legislation focused on coastal protection, environmental restoration, and regulatory changes affecting water resources across the state.
The measures — Senate Bill 302 and House Bill 1417 — include provisions aimed at strengthening coastal resilience, updating environmental rulemaking, and protecting specific waterways and preserves.
Terra Ceia Preserve Protections and Coastal Restoration
Senate Bill 302 establishes new restrictions within the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a coastal area in Manatee County. The law prohibits dredging and filling of submerged lands within the preserve and limits usage primarily to passive recreational activities such as fishing and boating, rather than commercial transportation.
The legislation also requires that any future modifications to the preserve undergo a state-level approval process.
In addition, the bill expands the use of nature-based coastal restoration methods, including:
- Wetland rehabilitation
- Oyster reef restoration
- Mangrove expansion along Florida’s coastline
State officials say these approaches are intended to reduce erosion, mitigate storm surge risks, and improve long-term coastal stability. The law also includes provisions to streamline permitting processes and allow for the use of newer technologies in restoration efforts.
Changes to Environmental Rulemaking and Water Policy
House Bill 1417 makes several structural changes to Florida’s environmental regulatory process. The legislation eliminates the Environmental Regulation Commission, shifting rulemaking authority more directly to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The bill also:
- Ratifies rules related to water supply protections for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers in North Florida
- Establishes requirements for stormwater management systems associated with solar energy facilities
State officials indicate the changes are intended to accelerate environmental rule updates while maintaining oversight of water quality and resource management.
Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier Projects Underway
In addition to signing the legislation, DeSantis announced ongoing and planned improvements to the fishing piers at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
According to the announcement:
- Reconstruction and rehabilitation work is underway on both the north and south piers
- A new pier will be constructed on the Manatee County side
- The existing pier on the Pinellas County side will be improved and extended
Early phases of the project include upgrades to parking areas and the addition of wider sidewalks along the seawall to improve access and safety for visitors.
Legislative Support
The bills received support from legislative leaders representing the region, including Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd and Representative Will Robinson, who backed provisions related to coastal protections and regional environmental concerns.
