BRADENTON, FL (FNB) – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two pieces of legislation Friday aimed at protecting the state’s coastlines and enhancing environmental resilience during an announcement in Bradenton. The governor also revealed plans to reopen and improve the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers following reconstruction efforts.
“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.”
The legislation signed into law includes Senate Bill 302 and House Bill 1417, both designed to strengthen environmental protections and improve regulatory efficiency.
“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.”
Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd also praised the legislation and highlighted its long-term regional impact.
“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.”
State Rep. Will Robinson also commended the governor’s actions.
“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.”
Senate Bill 302 focuses on protecting the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve by prohibiting dredging or filling of submerged lands and limiting activities in the area to passive recreation such as fishing and boating. The measure also requires any future changes to the preserve to undergo a state-level approval process.
Additionally, it promotes nature-based solutions such as wetland rehabilitation, oyster reef restoration, and mangrove expansion to strengthen coastal resilience and reduce risks from erosion and storm surge.
House Bill 1417 streamlines environmental rulemaking by eliminating the Environmental Regulation Commission, allowing for faster updates to environmental protections. It also ratifies rules to ensure adequate water supply for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and introduces stricter stormwater management requirements around solar energy facilities.
In addition to the legislation, DeSantis announced updates to the Sunshine Skyway fishing piers. Reconstruction and improvement projects are underway on both the north and south piers.
Plans include building a new pier on the Manatee County side and enhancing and extending the existing pier on the Pinellas County side. Early work includes upgrades to parking areas and the addition of wider sidewalks along the seawall to improve public access and safety.
The measures and infrastructure updates are part of broader efforts by state leaders to preserve Florida’s natural resources and strengthen coastal communities.
