Committee advances bill banning many drilling structures near bays and protected waters after coastal testimony

The Appropriations Committee reported CS for Senate Bill 1300 favorably after multiple members of the public from coastal communities testified in support of protecting bays, estuaries and fisheries from the risks posed by drilling structures.

What the bill would do: The measure would prohibit construction of drilling structures in specified sensitive zones, including bays and estuaries, within one mile of the coastline, within one mile of parks or wildlife preserves, and on or near certain freshwater bodies, with limited exceptions for existing valid permits and leases. It also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to apply a mandatory balancing test before issuing permits; the test must consider ecological function, water quality and restoration costs.

Public testimony: Hunter Levine, a fifth‑generation Floridian and host of a fishing podcast, and Jeff Wren of Rattlesnake Cove Oyster Company in Apalachicola Bay testified in support, describing local economic dependence on healthy bays and the devastation caused by past oil spills. Local oyster farmers and charter operators said avoiding drilling structures in sensitive areas protects livelihoods and fisheries recovery.

Sponsor remarks: Senator Corey Simon told the committee that Franklin County and Apalachicola Bay were still recovering from the BP oil spill and that protecting the bay is essential to reopening fisheries and preserving livelihoods.

Outcome: The committee adopted the bill and reported it favorably.

Ending: The bill moves forward with support from local stakeholders; DEP will be charged with applying the balancing test if the bill becomes law.