Senate advances nature‑based coastal resiliency bill to ease permitting and restore mangroves
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Summary
Senators approved a committee substitute to expand use of nature‑based solutions for coastal resiliency, direct DEP to develop design guidelines and a statewide permitting process, and authorize limited restoration dredging in designated preserves; the measure passed unanimously on the floor.
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Senate on Thursday passed a measure to accelerate use of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience, including protections for mangroves and a directive for the Department of Environmental Protection to create statewide permitting and design standards.
Senator Garcia, who sponsored CS for SB 302, said the bill formalizes permitting and creates statute 380.0938 directing DEP to develop standards for green and hybrid green-gray infrastructure, monitoring and inspection criteria, and incentives through the Resilient Florida grant program. The bill also amends state-lands statutes to authorize nature-based methods in state preserves and allows limited dredging and filling in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve for restoration purposes.
Leader Boyd offered an amendment to restrict dredging and filling in Terracea Aquatic Preserve to align protections with those being added for Biscayne Bay; the amendment was adopted. Sponsors argued the measure will prevent billions in flood damages and strengthen local resiliency planning.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously (38 yays, 0 nays). The legislation requires DEP to adopt design guidance subject to legislative ratification and to promote public awareness of nature-based approaches.
What’s next: The bill moves to the House. DEP will be responsible for drafting and implementing the design guidelines, inspection protocols and incentive structure if the law is enacted.
Vote: 38–0.