Strengthen Mangrove Replanting and Restoration 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, and Surfrider seeks to strengthen and improve state-level rules for using mangroves to that end. 

This legislation was first introduced during the 2023 legislative session, and saw two favorable committee stops in the Senate. The bill would create stronger rules for restoration, help identify suitable habitat for restoration and replanting activities, help improve public awareness of the innumerable benefits of mangroves, and study the feasibility of mangroves for coastal flood risk reduction and for use in the community rating system for the National Flood Insurance Program in Florida. Whether preventing coastal erosion, adding recreational value, or sequestering carbon, mangroves are truly one of South Florida’s most valuable tools for climate resilience and these rules will help reflect that position. 

Surfrider closely watched and supported the bill last session, and has been working to advocate for even stronger bill language in 2024. Florida volunteers and advocates have been sending postcards to legislators urging them to support the bill, advocated for the bill at Florida Healthy Beaches Day, and have supported the bill in committee.  Follow Surfrider’s state legislative blog series, Impact Zone, for updates on how you can activate on behalf of mangroves this session.