FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2026
In Case You Missed It: Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Protect Florida's Coasts
BRADENTON, Fla.—Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Florida’s coasts and strengthening coastal resilience and restoration efforts. The governor also announced plans to reopen the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers following reconstruction and rehabilitation projects.
“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.”
"Protecting Florida’s environment has been a top priority of the DeSantis Administration from day one,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “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.”
“Thank you Governor DeSantis for taking swift action to sign this legislation into law,” said Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd. “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.”
“Florida’s natural resources are central to our economy, our way of life, and our future,” said Representative Will Robinson. “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.”
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 302 and House Bill 1417 into law.
Senate Bill 302 protects the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve by prohibiting the dredging or filling of submerged lands, allowing for passive recreational fishing and boating rather than commercial transportation in these sensitive waters. The legislation ensures that any future changes to the preserve must go through a transparent, state-level approval process. It also strengthens Florida’s coastal resiliency by expanding the use of nature-based solutions to rehabilitate wetlands, restore oyster reefs, and increase the mangroves along the Florida peninsula. In addition, the bill streamlines permitting, accelerates restoration timelines, and enables the use of new technologies to enhance coastal protection efforts. Together, these measures safeguard vulnerable habitats, reduce erosion and storm surge risks, and preserve Florida’s natural coastline.
House Bill 1417 streamlines environmental rulemaking by repealing the outdated Environmental Regulation Commission making it faster to update rules to protect our environment and keep our economy thriving. It also ratifies rules to ensure sufficient water supply along the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers, vital water resources for our North Florida communities. Finally, the bill makes certain that stormwater management around solar fields is rigorous to protect both the environment and adjacent property owners.
Governor DeSantis also announced updates to Florida’s Sunshine Skyway fishing piers, letting Floridians know that reconstruction and renewal projects on the north and south piers are now underway. A new pier will be built on the Manatee County side, and the existing Pinellas County side will be improved and extended. Early work includes enhancements to parking areas and the addition of wider sidewalks along the seawall to improve access and safety.
 Temporary fishing piers are being built in an accelerated manner to help increase fishing opportunity areas and offset fishing opportunities that will be uninterrupted during construction. Once complete, the project will restore one of Florida’s most iconic recreational destinations for fishing, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
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