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

SB 290 / HB 433: Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services
A broad agriculture/consumer services package. SB 290 has passed the Senate and is in Messages in the House. The problematic disparagement clause has been removed, but other provisions, such as the one dealing with surplusing of conservation land is concerning. FOS Position: Monitoring

HB 589 / SB 698:  Onsite Sewage Treatment & Disposal System Permits (Septic)
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. HB 589 has cleared committees and is on the House floor calendar. SB 698 is scheduled in the Senate Rules Committee. FOS Position: Monitoring.

HB 1019 / SB 1230: PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
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. HB 1019 is on the House floor calendar. SB 1230 is on the Senate calendar for second reading. FOS Position: Supporting.

HB 1035 / SB 302: Nature-based Coastal Resiliency
These bills promote nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration and living shorelines to reduce erosion and flooding while enhancing habitat. Some amendments have been introduced that we are analyzing. SB 302 has passed the Senate and is in Messages in the House. HB 1035 is on the House calendar for second reading. FOS Position: Monitoring.

HB 1245 / SB 1294: Biosolids Management
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. SB 1294 is on the Senate Rules Committee agenda. HB 1245 is on the House calendar for second reading. FOS Position: Monitoring.

HB 691 / SB 686: Agricultural Enclaves
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. SB 686 is on the Senate Rules Committee agenda. HB 691 is on the House calendar for second reading. FOS Position: Opposing.

HB 217 / SB 840: Land Use Regulations
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. SB 840 has passed the Senate and is in Messages in the House. HB 217 remains early in the committee process. FOS Position: Monitoring (generally supportive).

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. HB 575 remains early in the House committee process. SB 240 has passed its first committee stop and is referenced to additional committees. Unfortunately, because these bills have not moved through committees it doesn’t seem that they will make it to a vote this legislative session. FOS Position: Supporting.

HB 299 / SB 354: known as the Blue Ribbon Projects bills, would create a new administrative process that fast-tracks approval of very large developments (originally described as 10,000+ acres or larger) based on meeting minimal statutory criteria, rather than through traditional local land-use and comprehensive plan review. This undermines home-rule authority and threatens protections for water quality, natural habitats, and established growth management frameworks that guide responsible development. FOS Position: Opposing.

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.