Pass the Florida Single-Use Plastic Coastal Pilot

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to Florida’s ocean, beaches, and communities. With more than 7,000 tons of plastic estimated to enter our oceans from Florida every year, legislative action is sorely needed. Increased marine debris and litter on beaches can negatively impact coastal recreation dependent communities and economies to the tune of millions of dollars. In Florida, where the ocean economy generates more than $73.9 billion to the state, plastic pollution presents a significant threat to coastal economies, communities, and ways of life. Unfortunately, given the state’s existing pre-emption on the regulation of most plastics, passing meaningful statewide legislation to address the issue at the source is near impossible.

That is why Surfrider supports the passage of HB363/SB336 Regulation of Single-Use Plastics during the 2023 Florida legislative session. The bill would allow for coastal communities of a certain size to regulate single-use plastics as a part of a two-year pilot program. The legislation marks an important and incremental step preventing plastic pollution in Florida. Leading up to session, Surfrider’s Florida network has been working to advocate for this bill and elevate the issue with lawmakers both at county delegation meetings and one-on-one. Surfrider will activate to support this bill as the legislative session progresses.