Posted on March 11, 2026
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A coastal resiliency measure that includes restrictions tied to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve advanced in the Florida House on Monday, according to a legislative update.
A committee substitute version of the bill passed 109-0 on March 9, 2026, at 2:35 p.m.
A bill summary included in the update describes language that would prohibit the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund from approving dredging or filling of submerged lands in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve unless it occurs for certain reasons.
The summary also includes other aquatic-preserve provisions, including authorizing certain dredging and filling and shoreline and seawall work within the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, and allowing certain structures in aquatic preserves.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection would also be required, by a specified date, to develop guidelines and standards for nature-based coastal resiliency methods and to adopt rules, subject to legislative ratification, for a statewide permitting process.
