Strengthen Nature-Based Solutions in Florida

Surfrider strives to harness the power of nature to address some of the greatest challenges facing Florida’s beaches in light of climate change. Our 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. Nature-based solutions like living shorelines and coastal restoration can provide myriad climate, clean water, and flood resilience benefits. Surfrider seeks to strengthen and improve state-level processes and guidelines for using mangroves, native dune vegetation, and living shorelines for resiliency efforts across Florida.

SB302 seeks to address nature-based methods at the state-level to better support local governments, communities, and stakeholders considering and implementing nature-based projects. The bill builds on previous years' legislation related to mangrove replanting and restoration that Surfrider has contributed to and supported. In particular, SB302 includes important provisions for the implementation of mangrove planting and restoration, native dune vegetation, and living shorelines. The bill directs Florida Department of Environmental Protection to implement guidance and rules to support nature-based solutions.

Whether preventing coastal erosion, adding recreational value, or sequestering carbon, mangroves, dune vegetation, and living shorelines are truly among Florida's most valuable tools for climate resilience. Improved state agency processes and guidelines will help reflect that position and enable more informed and widespread action across the state. 

Our Florida network will engage with decision-makers, advocate for nature-based solutions at Florida Healthy Beaches Day, and support the bill in committees.  Follow Surfrider Florida's legislative page for updates on how you can activate on behalf of nature-based solutions this session.