Strengthen Nature-Based Solutions in Florida

On March 19, 2026, Governor DeSantis signed Coastal Resiliency (SB302) into law -- bolstering statewide resilience with improved pathways and support for nature-based resilience methods! The bill received unanimous support in the Florida Legislature.

The new law provides clearer regulatory frameworks for dune and wetland restoration, mangrove plantings and protection, and native vegetation and seagrass projects. It requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop rules, permits, and regulatory guidance supporting the implementation of nature-based solutions. The law also promotes local government awareness and public education, ensuring that communities across Florida have the knowledge and tools to act.

The law includes provisions supporting “hybrid green-gray” resilience solutions, which incorporate engineered elements alongside nature-based approaches. Surfrider will monitor these provisions carefully to ensure that any hybrid methods do not open the door to extensive hard armoring of our coastlines.

Notably, the law also imposes stronger restrictions on dredging activity in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve in Manatee County, near Tampa Bay. The preserve is in close proximity to a proposed mega-cruise port development that has drawn widespread public opposition and serious concerns about harmful impacts to the Preserve, water quality, and the surrounding marine environment. Surfrider will continue to monitor the impacts of the new law and the ongoing consideration of the port project, standing alongside the community in defense of this irreplaceable coastal ecosystem.

Our Florida coasts need protection from rising sea level, stronger and more intense hurricanes, and recurring flood events, but not in the form of costly beach renourishment or harmful coastal armoring. The need for effective and ecologically-sound resilience solutions has never been greater:

• Healthy dunes and beaches serve as the first line of defense against flooding and sea level rise.
• A single acre of wetlands can store up to one million gallons of floodwater.
• Mangroves absorb wave energy and prevent millions of dollars in property damage every year.
• Living shorelines reduce erosion, adapt dynamically to sea level rise, and offer cost-effective protection for coastal communities.

Surfrider has long-advocated for nature-based solutions like living shorelines and coastal restoration, which are proven and effective methods with significant resilience and ecological benefits. From on-the-ground nature-based projects led by Surfrider chapters to years of advocacy in Tallahassee, Surfrider's network engages on all fronts to support scaling and replicating nature-based coastal resilience in Florida.

Nature-based solutions manage flooding, prevent coastal erosion, add recreational value, and sequester carbon. They are truly among Florida's most valuable tools for climate resilience. The new state law reflects that position and will enable more informed and widespread action across the state. 

We applaud the dedicated bill sponsors, Senator Ileana Garcia and Representative Jim Mooney, for their committed leadership getting this bill across the finish line! We also thank the bill co-sponsors, Senators Bryan Avila and Barbara Sharief and Representatives Basabe, Chaney, Conerly, Cross, Eskamani, and Porras. 

Surfrider worked with many partners across the state to advance nature-based resilience legislation in Florida. We look forward to continuing the collaboration and work to develop these tools with FDEP and get them into the hands of Florida communities!