Florida Healthy Beaches Day 2026: Surfrider Advocates Show Up in Tallahassee
In February, Surfrider Florida took our message straight to the Capitol. Advocates from chapters and clubs across the state traveled to Tallahassee for Florida Healthy Beaches Day. We met with legislators about the ocean and coastal priorities that matter most to our communities.
This year's priorities:
Surfrider advocates from the Florida Keys, Miami, Palm Beach County, Broward, Volusia-Flagler, and First Coast Chapters, and student leaders from Nova Southeastern University (our newest club in the state!) and University of Florida gathered to share their stories with legislators. Advocates visited 45 legislative offices. From beach cleanup data to surfing and diving experiences to business concerns, Surfrider made clear what's at stake when our coastal ecosystems are threatened. We were joined by state partners Clean Miami Beach, Oceana, Florida Springs Council, and Volunteercleanup.org.
Session Updates & Action Alerts
As Session approaches its "official" end date of March 13, much remains in motion. Many bills haven't reached full floor votes and budget negotiations between the House and Senate are ongoing with significant differences between the two chambers. Session is expected to extend past the deadline to finalize the 2026–27 State Budget.
The upcoming week is critical. Bills are moving fast and being amended on the fly. Stay engaged with us and follow updates on our webpage and Instagram.
👍 The Good
HB441/SB546 Conservation Lands
Passed the Legislature | Awaiting Governor's signature
This is an important win worth celebrating. HB441/SB546 closes critical gaps in state law around public conservation land transactions. These gaps were exposed in May 2025, when a proposal to exchange 600 acres of the Guana Wildlife Management Area into private ownership shocked North Florida communities. With less than a week's notice and little information, the proposal was met with swift and widespread opposition. Surfrider's First Coast Chapter and our statewide network mobilized quickly alongside partners across Florida. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn but the threat that this could happen again was too clear.
This bill ensures future proposals can't move through under the radar. It requires:
👏 Thank you to everyone who engaged in the Guana Land Swap campaign and continued showing up for our public lands!
SB302/HB1035 Coastal Resiliency
Passed the Senate | Scheduled for a full House vote Monday, March 9
This bill creates regulatory pathways and state support for nature-based resilience methods — an approach Surfrider has championed for years. The Senate version takes a broader approach, mandating rulemaking and guidance; the House version directs FDEP to develop standards and guidelines. On the Senate floor, SB302 was amended to include dredging restrictions for Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve in Tampa, near a controversial proposed cruise port project. It passed the full Senate unanimously on February 19.
Now, Representative Duggan has put forward an amendment that would add Ocklawaha River restoration to SB302 — a comprehensive plan with major benefits for resilience, economic development, public safety, outdoor recreation, and wildlife in Northeast Florida. Surfrider supports both the amendment and SB302.
📣 Take Action! SB302 is up for a House vote on Monday, March 9.
🚫 The Bad
SB354/HB299 Blue Ribbon Projects
Senate vote postponed | House vote pending
This bill would fast-track massive developments – 15,000+ acres on natural or agricultural land – without meaningful local input or clear conservation requirements. Under the bill, these projects would receive expedited administrative approval, bypassing local review authority. Think tens of thousands of new residents, vast industrial development, and reduced scrutiny for infrastructure, zoning, and planning.
Supporters have pointed to a requirement that 60% of each project be designated as a "reserve" BUT that's not the same as conservation. Reserve lands could include stormwater facilities, utility corridors, and other infrastructure.
The good news: SB354 was postponed ahead of its Senate floor vote because of the overwhelming opposition from communities across Florida. Senators Passidomo, Gaetz, Wright, Simon, and Pizzo all spoke against the bill. Your advocacy is making an impact, but this fight isn't
⌛Stay Tuned! Action alerts calling on legislators to vote NO on Blue Ribbon Projects will be live next week if these bills are placed on Senate and House agendas.
Florida Forever Funding
House & Senate proposed budgets drastically underfund the state's conservation land purchasing program
Florida Forever protects drinking water, enhances resilience, expands outdoor recreation, and safeguards wildlife habitat. Here's where the current funding proposals stand:
The proposed funding by the Senate and the House fall far short of what's needed. Budget negotiations are happening right now, and Surfrider is calling for at least $100 million for Florida Forever in the 2026–27 budget.
📣 Take Action!
SB7046/HB1217 "No Net-Zero" Bill
Passed the House | Awaiting a Senate vote
This bill prohibits local governments from adopting net-zero policies or taking actions to balance greenhouse gas emissions. Net-zero strategies – like switching to electric vehicles, encouraging energy efficiency, and restoring mangroves and wetlands – are among our most effective tools for addressing the root causes of sea-level rise, storm surge, and saltwater intrusion. This bill would tie the hands of governments trying to protect their communities from the consequences of climate change.
The bill was narrowed from its broader and even worse original form, but the language remains sweeping and is likely to have a chilling effect on local resilience efforts well beyond direct prohibition. A Florida that bans local climate action is less prepared to face rising seas, weather stronger storms, and protect our communities.
⌛ Stay Tuned! Action alerts calling on legislators to vote NO on SB7046/HB1217 will be live next week if these bills are placed on Senate and House agendas.
🌊 Keep It Up!
Protecting the ocean, waves, and beaches for all people takes all of our voices. Thank you for showing up as Friends of the Ocean in Tallahassee and in your communities!
Follow our webpage and Instagram for real-time updates as Session moves into its final stretch.