2026 Legislative Update

The 2026 Florida Legislative Session is officially underway, running from January 13 through March 13, 2026, and Florida Oceanographic Society is actively engaged in advocating for Florida’s coastal ecosystems, waterways, and Everglades restoration.

During this session, members of our advocacy team are traveling to Tallahassee to meet with lawmakers and monitor legislation that could significantly impact water quality, estuaries, wetlands, and conservation efforts across the state. From Lake Okeechobee management to septic systems, plastic pollution, and coastal resilience, the decisions made this session will shape Florida’s environmental future.

As part of our advocacy work, we closely track bills as they move through committees—where amendments can strengthen or weaken environmental protections. Below is a snapshot of key House (HB) and Senate (SB) bills we are currently monitoring, supporting, or opposing based on their potential environmental impact.

Key Environmental Bills in the 2026 Florida Legislative Session

Florida Farm Bill

SB 290 / HB 433
These bills expand Florida’s food libel law to include non-perishable products and certain agricultural practices, allowing producers to sue critics for “disparagement.” Of concern was Section 48, which limited accountability for agricultural pollution.
Update: Section 48 was removed as of February 11, allowing the rest of the bill to advance.
FOS Position: Monitoring

Septic Systems & Water Quality

HB 589 / SB 698 – Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems
These bills prevent local governments from requiring connections to central sewer systems—even when septic systems pose environmental risks. Aging septic tanks are a known source of nutrient pollution in waterways like the St. Lucie Estuary.
FOS Position: Monitoring (concerned)

PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

HB 1019 / SB 1230
This legislation bans PFAS-containing firefighting foams beginning in July 2026 and requires monitoring in wastewater and biosolids. PFAS persist in the environment and threaten wildlife and human health.
FOS Position: Supporting

Nature-Based Coastal Resilience

HB 1035 / SB 302
These bills promote nature-based solutions—such as mangrove restoration and living shorelines—to reduce erosion and flooding while enhancing habitat.
FOS Position: Supporting

Biosolids Management

HB 1245 / SB 1294
These bills limit land application of bulk biosolids unless nutrient thresholds are met, while still allowing certain biosolids products to be marketed and applied under specific conditions. Nutrient runoff is a major driver of harmful algal blooms.
FOS Position: Monitoring

Agricultural Enclaves & Development

HB 691 / SB 686
This legislation fast-tracks residential development on agricultural lands surrounded by urban areas—bypassing local planning and public input. Increased development often leads to more runoff, habitat loss, and water pollution.
FOS Position: Opposing

Local Planning Authority (SB 180 Fixes)

HB 217 and SB 840
These bills revise last year’s SB 180, restoring some local authority over land-use planning following hurricanes. They allow communities to update stormwater and floodplain rules critical for environmental protection.
FOS Position: Monitoring (generally supportive)

Plastic Pollution Reduction

HB 575 / SB 240 – Auxiliary Containers
These bills restrict certain single-use plastics on state park lands and require a statewide Marine Debris Reduction Plan to address persistent plastic pollution.
FOS Position: Supporting

Why This Matters

Legislation passed during this session will directly affect:

• Water quality in the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon

• Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee management

• Plastic pollution and marine debris

• Local governments’ ability to protect natural resources

Florida Oceanographic Society will continue to advocate for science-based policies that protect Florida’s waterways and coastal ecosystems—and we’ll keep our community informed every step of the way.