(The Center Square) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills into law this week meant to preserve Florida’s coastlines and protect the state’s natural resources.
The bills, signed in Bradenton on Tuesday, received bipartisan support from both chambers.
Senate Bill 302 prevents the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve from being developed into a cruise ship terminal.
“There was an idea that had been floated to dredge the water of Terra Ceia Bay and establish a new cruise port terminal in Manatee County,” said the governor. “That obviously would have a major change in the lifestyle and the environment of the folks that live in this area.
“Look, we’re a popular destination for shipping and for cruise lines. We have many world-class deep-water seaports already, they contribute a lot to the state economy, they contribute local taxes, jobs, so there’s a lot that goes into that. But there’s not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area, an aquatic preserve, especially given that Tampa Bay is already home to three deep-water ports.”
The bill also creates new requirements for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection encouraging “nature-based solutions” to improve coastlines using living seawalls, shoreline and vegetation planting, and seagrass, among other things.
While the bill is expected to have a negative fiscal impact on the DPE, a fiscal analysis deemed the cost of the bill’s new requirements can be absorbed with the department’s existing resources.
The governor also signed House Bill 1417, which he said will streamline environmental rulemaking to protect natural resources.
Notably, it gives greater authority to DEP and does away with the Environmental Regulation Commission, which DeSantis called “outdated.” It also makes changes to regulations governing wastewater, sewer systems, water quality, pollution controls, and updates air pollution permitting and license fees, among other changes.
The private sector will likely see “significant” negative fiscal impacts to comply with the new rules and regulations put forth in the bill, according to a fiscal analysis.
Both bills take effect in July.
The governor also announced plans to reopen the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier, saying reconstruction is already underway. The plan is to have a new pier built on Manatee County’s side and will include temporary piers for fishing.
The pier was closed in 2024 after it sustained damage during Hurricane Milton.
“Work has begun with efforts to enhance the parking area and construct new, wider sidewalks along the seawall, and expand fishing opportunities to keep recreational activities open while construction is underway,” the governor said.
