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Legislation for Clean Water + Healthy Beaches
The 2026 Session will begin on January 13, 2026, and conclude on March 13, 2026. Interim Committee Weeks run from October to December 2025.
Surfrider Florida is monitoring legislation closely to support bills that protect our coasts and ocean and oppose bills that jeopardize them.
Check out the summaries below for an overview of priority issues and critical bills in the 2026 session.
Coasts and Climate
Florida’s coastal communities, infrastructure, and marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by sea level rise, extreme weather events, and flooding. Bold state leadership is needed to implement sea level rise solutions that advance coastal resilience, protect coastal and marine habitats and communities, and harness the power of nature to protect and prepare Florida’s coasts from flooding and sea level rise. As the 2026 Session progresses, we will highlight key legislation and efforts for coastal resilience.
Restore Local Government Planning Authority - SUPPORT
During the 2025 Legislative Session, SB180 “Emergencies” passed on the last day of session with several amendments just before the final vote. Enacted into Florida state law (Florida Statute 252.422) in June, the law includes a range of emergency and disaster provisions intended to facilitate better preparation, management, and recovery. Although the new law contains provisions that will further these goals, two sections of the law have significant, negative consequences for local governments’ planning authority. These provisions paralyze local planning across the state with particular impact for environmental, resilience, and smart-growth efforts.
Section 18 and Section 28 of the law freeze cities and counties from adopting land-use regulations, policies, or procedures that are deemed “more restrictive or burdensome” than the policies in place before recent or future hurricanes. In just the few months since the law was enacted, we have seen challenges and concerns across the state related to local governments’ smart growth policies, stormwater development and construction standards, wetlands restoration and buffer requirements, and more.
The new law has paralyzed local governments at every stage of the planning process, rendering them unable to appropriately respond to community needs, with negative impacts for resiliency, public health, and the environment. Surfrider is part of a coalition and collaborative effort, led by 1000 Friends of Florida, to seek the repeal of Sections 18 and 28.
Restore Local Government Planning Authority Resources
Clean Water
Sewage spills and stormwater runoff threaten the health of beachgoers, coastal ecosystems, and economies. Consistent water quality monitoring and public notification are needed to protect public health and inform solutions. We must also advance efforts and investments to repair, upgrade, and ensure climate resilience of Florida’s failing water infrastructure. As the 2026 Session progresses, we will highlight key legislation and efforts for improved water quality and protecting public health.
Plastic Pollution
Each year 7,000 tons of wasteful plastic pollution enters the ocean in Florida, posing a major threat to our marine environment and coastal economy. Yet, current state preemption on the regulation of most plastics prevents meaningful regulatory action to curb marine plastic and its negative economic impacts in Florida. Surfrider supports laws aimed at reducing sources of plastic pollution, as well as prevention and response to marine debris. As the 2025 session progresses, we will highlight key legislation and efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
Auxiliary Containers - SUPPORT
Bill Sponsor: Senator Ileana Garcia (R - Miami)
SB240 will better position local governments to respond to plastic pollution, marine debris, and waste management problems they are facing. The bill also provides more clarity and uniformity regarding the regulation of auxiliary containers like cups, bottles, bags, and food containers.
The bill provides a definition for "auxiliary containers" and preempts regulation to the state; however, local governments are allowed to regulate glass, polystyrene (expanded foam), and plastic single-use auxiliary containers on public property. Local ordinances in place prior to January 1, 2026 will remain effective.
Additionally, the bill directs Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to develop a uniform ordinance for single-use plastic auxiliary container regulation that may be adopted by local governments. The bill also directs FDEP to prepare a statewide Marine Debris Reduction Plan. Finally, the bill restricts the sale and distribution of certain single-use plastic auxiliary containers in Florida State Parks.
This legislation provides a practical and productive path for addressing significant plastic pollution and marine debris problems across the state.
Auxiliary Containers Resources