Stop the Expansion of Plastic Preemption in Florida

Since 2008, Florida has been paralyzed from taking meaningful action to address plastic pollution that plagues the state's ocean and beaches. The existing state preemption removes local government's ability to reduce or eliminate many of the sources of plastic that clog sandy beaches, harm waterways, and negatively impact the state's tourism economy. 

While Surfrider Foundation's Florida network has rigorously advocated to repeal this preemption and enact laws that prevent easily littered items  and plastic from entering marine habitats, the state has yet to enact any of the regulatory and non-regulatory measures recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection. 

Now, during the 2025 legislative session, members of the Florida Senate and House have introduced legislation (SB1822/HB565) that would greatly expand and entrench the existing preemption on the regulation of most plastics to include single-use and reusable bottles, bags, cups, containers, and wrappings sourced from a variety of materials to the state. The bill would not allow any agency or entity to legislate on this issue. 

Surfrider has a long history of opposing the existing preemption and we will ardently oppose this expansion legislation just as we have done in previous years. Staff and members of our network statewide will engage key legislators in the House and Senate to oppose the bill, lobby against the bill during Florida Healthy Beaches Day, and make Floridians' voices heard to stop this egregious preemption expansion. We will work in partnership with Florida Springs Council, Oceana, Sea Turtle Conservancy, Sierra Club, and Ocean Conservancy. 

An estimated 7,000 tons of plastic enter Florida's ocean each year. With negative impacts for tourism, public health, and marine life and ecosystems, Floridians want solutions -- not more roadblocks to addressing the problem. 

Take Action! 

HB565 and SB1822 have both passed their first committee stops. HB565's remaining stops are Intergovernmental Affairs and State Affairs. SB1822's remaining stops are Community Affairs and Rules. We will provide updates if and when these bills are added to committee agendas.