The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Fiscal Policy
BILL: CS/SB 1360
INTRODUCER: Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government and
Senator Gruters
SUBJECT: Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative
DATE: February 26, 2024 REVISED:
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Rogers Rogers EN Favorable
2. Reagan Betta AEG Fav/CS
3. Rogers Yeatman FP Favorable
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/SB 1360 amends s. 379.2273, F.S., to:
 Remove the expiration date for the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology
Development Initiative of June 30, 2025.
 Direct the initiative to develop field trials for red tide mitigation approaches and
technologies.
When the initiative develops a field trial deployment technology, the initiative will submit a
report with its findings to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services (DACS), and other state agencies with regulatory oversight of field trial deployment of
the technologies and approaches in state waters. The DEP shall evaluate the technologies and
approaches and identify all existing state permits the Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote) may use to
deploy and test the technologies and approaches in state waters. The DEP shall submit its
evaluation to the Mote within 60 days after receipt of the report. If the DEP determines existing
state permits may not be used, the DEP shall amend its regulatory or permitting processes to
ensure the timely deployment if any red tide or similar harmful algal bloom mitigation and
control technologies and approaches recommended by the initiative. Upon successful testing of
the technologies and approaches, the DEP shall expedite regulatory reviews for the recurring use
of the technologies and approaches in state waters to control and mitigate the impacts of red tide
or similar harmful algal blooms.
BILL: CS/SB 1360 Page 2
The DEP may incur an indeterminate cost if it is required to amend its regulatory or permitting
processes. This can be absorbed within existing resources. See Section V., Fiscal Impact
Statement.
The bill provides an effective date of July 1, 2024.
II. Present Situation:
Red Tide
Algae are a diverse group of plant-like organisms that produce oxygen and form the base of
aquatic food webs, and they range from microscopic, single-celled organisms to large seaweeds.1
When algae reproduce or accumulate far beyond their normal levels for a specific geographic
area, it is known as a bloom.2 When blooms occur they can have harmful effects such as
smothering other marine life or blocking the sun, producing dangerous toxins, and depleting
oxygen levels as the algae decays.3 These events are known as harmful algal blooms.4 In the
waters around Florida, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, such high concentrations of algae
occur that the water turns red or brown.5 These harmful algal blooms are known as “red tide,”
and have been observed for centuries.6 In the Gulf of Mexico and around Florida, the species that
causes most red tide is Karenia brevis (K. brevis).7
K. brevis is a single-celled algae that occurs in marine and estuarine waters in Florida.8 K. brevis
is always present in low concentrations in the Gulf of Mexico with no apparent adverse effects.9
However, when it blooms, typically in the late summer or early fall, this species can cause large-
scale harmful algal blooms.10 K. brevis produces neurotoxins called brevetoxins that can sicken
1
U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?,
https://www.noaa.gov/what-is-harmful-algal-bloom (last visited Jan. 18, 2024); Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC), What Is a Harmful Algal Bloom, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/general/harmful-algal-bloom/ (last
visited Jan. 18, 2024). Microscopic algae produce around half of the oxygen we breathe.
2
FWC, What Is a Harmful Algal Bloom?, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/general/harmful-algal-bloom/ (last visited Jan.
18, 2024).
3
Id.; NOAA, What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?, https://www.noaa.gov/what-is-harmful-algal-bloom (last visited Jan. 18,
2024).
4
Gulf of Mexico Alliance, A Primer on Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Blooms, 2-5 (2013), available at
https://myfwc.com/media/15902/habprimer.pdf (last visited Jan. 18, 2024). The term “harmful algal bloom” is sometimes
abbreviated as “HAB.”
5
FWC, Red Tide FAQ, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
6
Id.
7
Id.
8
FWC, Karenia Brevis: Fact Sheet, https://myfwc.com/media/12422/karenia-brevis-factsheet.pdf (last visited Jan. 18, 2024);
Mote Marine Laboratory, Phytoplankton Ecology, https://mote.org/research/program/phytoplankton-ecology (last visited Jan.
10, 2024). K. brevis is a “phytoplankton” because it does photosynthesis like a plant.
9
R. H. Pierce and M. S. Henry, Harmful Algal Toxins of the Florida Red Tide (Karenia brevis): Natural Chemical Stressors
In South Florida Coastal Ecosystems, ECOTOXICOLOGY, vol. 17, 7 (2008): 623-631, 2 (2008), available at
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2683401/pdf/nihms101414.pdf (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
10
FWC, Karenia Brevis: Fact Sheet, https://myfwc.com/media/12422/karenia-brevis-factsheet.pdf (last visited Jan. 18,
2024); FWC, Red Tide Current Status, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024). FWC
reports the current status of red tide using the concentration of K. brevis cells per liter of water.
BILL: CS/SB 1360 Page 3
or kill fish, seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals.11 Wave action can break open K. brevis cells
and release the brevetoxins into the air. With winds blowing onshore, this can lead to respiratory
irritation in humans and potentially serious illness for people with severe or chronic respiratory
conditions.12 The red tide toxins can also accumulate in animals such as oysters and clams,
which can lead to Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning in people who consume contaminated
shellfish.13 Though this is less common, blooms of K. brevis can also contribute to fish kills by
depleting the water of dissolved oxygen.14
K. brevis cannot tolerate low-salinity waters for very long, so while red tide is found in bays and
estuaries, it is not found in freshwater systems such as lakes or rivers.15 The algae causing red
tide is different from the cyanobacteria (often called “blue-green algae”) found in freshwater
systems such as Lake Okeechobee.16 Cyanobacteria is found in lakes, rivers, and estuaries, and it
too is toxic and harmful.17
There is no demonstrated direct link between nutrient pollution and K. brevis red tide formation
or frequency, and red tide has been observed since before Florida’s coastlines were heavily
developed.18 However, once red tides are transported to shore, they are capable of using human-
caused nutrient pollution for their growth.19 Currently, there is no practical and acceptable way to
control or kill red tide blooms.20 Harmful algal blooms can result in significant costs associated
with public health, commercial fishery reduction, decreases in recreation and tourism, and
management and monitoring.21
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
The FWC derives its authority from the State Constitution and chapter 379 of the Florida
Statutes.22 The FWC is authorized to exercise regulatory and executive powers of the state with
respect to wild animal life, fresh water aquatic life, and marine life, and in these areas the FWC’s
staff is authorized to conduct management, research, and enforcement.23 The Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute (Institute) is the principal unit for research services within the FWC.24
11
FWC, Karenia Brevis: Fact Sheet, https://myfwc.com/media/12422/karenia-brevis-factsheet.pdf (last visited Jan. 18,
2024).
12
Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Red Tide FAQ’s, https://mote.org/news/florida-red-tide (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
13
FWC, Karenia Brevis: Fact Sheet, https://myfwc.com/media/12422/karenia-brevis-factsheet.pdf (last visited Jan. 18,
2024).
14
Id.
15
FWC, Red Tide FAQ, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
16
Id.
17
FWC, Cyanobacteria in Florida’s Waters, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/general/cyanobacteria/ (last visited Jan. 18,
2024); U.S. EPA, Harmful Algal Blooms & Cyanobacteria Research, https://www.epa.gov/water-research/harmful-algal-
blooms-cyanobacteria-research (last visited Jan. 18, 2024). Although they are often called “blue-green algae” and exhibit
characteristics of algae, cyanobacteria are classified as bacteria.
18
Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Red Tide FAQ’s, https://mote.org/news/florida-red-tide (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
19
Id.
20
FWC, Red Tide FAQ, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
21
Id.
22
FLA. CONST. art. IV, s. 9., s. 9; see chapter 379, F.S.; see also s. 20.331, F.S.
23
FLA. CONST. art. IV, s. 9.
24
Section 20.331(4)(b), F.S.; FWC, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, https://myfwc.com/about/inside-fwc/fwri/ (last
visited Jan. 18, 2024).
BILL: CS/SB 1360 Page 4
The FWC assigns to the Institute all of the following responsibilities and functions:
 Serve as the primary source of research and technical information and expertise on the status
of marine life, freshwater aquatic life, and wild animal life resources in this state.
 Monitor the status and health of marine life, freshwater aquatic life, and wild animal life
species and their habitat.
 Develop restoration and management techniques for habitat and enhancement of plant and
animal populations.
 Respond to and provide critical technical support for catastrophes including oil spills, ship
groundings, major species die-offs, hazardous spills, and natural disasters.
 Identify and monitor harmful algal blooms including red tides, evaluate their impacts, and
provide technical support concerning state and local public health concerns.
 Provide state and local governments with technical information and research results
concerning fish and wild animal life.25
The Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, whose members are appointed by the Institute, was
created for the purpose of determining research, monitoring, control, and mitigation strategies for
red tide and other harmful algal blooms in Florida waters.26 The task force develops priorities
and strategies for mitigation and control of harmful algal blooms and is tasked with making
recommendations to the Institute regarding harmful algal blooms.27 The Legislature also requires
the Institute to implement a program designed to improve understanding and allow for early
detection of harmful algal blooms, including red tide, to facilitate accurate predictions and
successful efforts to control and mitigate the effects of harmful algal blooms.28
The Institute provides many services and resources pertaining to red tide. It regularly publishes
detailed information on the status of red tide in the state.29 The Institute’s teams of experts
conduct cutting-edge ecological research and analysis on the organisms in Florida’s waters,
advancing the collective understanding of red tide and its impacts on the state.30 The FWC
scientists combine field sampling with tools maintained by state and federal partners to track red
tide and its effects.31 Through its webpages on the FWC’s website, the Institute provides
comprehensive information and resources to the public relating to red tide.32 This includes
resources for learning what causes red tide, tools for tracking red tide, and information for
reporting on red tide and its effects.33
25
Section 20.331(7)(a), F.S.
26
Section 379.2271(1), F.S.
27
Section 379.2271, F.S.
28
Section 379.2272, (1)(a), F.S.
29
FWC, Red Tide Current Status, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
30
FWC, Labs and People: About, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/labs-people/about/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
31
FWC, Tools for Tracking Red Tides, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/tools/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
32
FWC, Research: Red Tide, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/ (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
33
FWC, Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/contact/ (last visited Jan.
17, 2024).
BILL: CS/SB 1360 Page 5
Mote Marine Laboratory
The Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote) is a Florida nonprofit organization that was founded in
1955.34 The Mote’s focus is the advancement of marine and environmental sciences through
scientific research, education and public outreach, leading to new discoveries, revitalization and
sustainability of the oceans and greater public understanding of marine resources.35
The nonprofit organization is funded through federal, state, and local grants and through
individual donors and foundations.36 The FWC is authorized to expend certain money through
grants and contracts to fund research with the Mote.37 The proceeds of the annual use fee for the
“Protect Our Reefs” license plates are distributed to the Mote.38
Since early on in its development, the Mote has been conducting research on red tide.39 Its
experts are conducting research on red tide with the goal of understanding how the blooms form,
how they dissipate into the environment, and what effects it has on humans and marine
animals.40 The Mote monitors red tide by taking samples, including with the use of technology
such as detectors specially developed by the laboratory and autonomous underwater vehicles,
providing continuous data that is communicated back to the laboratory for analysis.41 The
laboratory’s Beach Conditions Report provides detailed information on the conditions at a
number of Florida beaches.42 Several of the laboratory’s research programs cover areas of
science related to red tide, such as the effects of toxins on aquatic organisms, the environmental
health aspects of airborne toxins in coastal areas, and phytoplankton ecology.43
Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative
The Florida Red Tide Mitigation & Technology Development Initiative is a partnership between
the Mote and the Institute codified in s. 379.2273, F.S., that establishes an independent and
coordinated effort among public and private research entities to develop prevention, control and
mitigation technologies and approaches that will decrease the impacts of Florida red tide on the
environment, economy and quality of life in Florida. The state has appropriated $3 million
annually for Mote to secure additional private and federal funding in order to:
 Bring together the best and brightest scientists from Florida and around the world;
34
Mote Marine Laboratory, Beyond 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan, 26, available at
https://mote.org/media/uploads/files/StratPlan3.0_ffw.pdf (last visited Jan. 10, 2024).
35
Mote Marine Laboratory, Beyond 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan, 15, available at
https://mote.org/media/uploads/files/StratPlan3.0_ffw.pdf (last visited Jan. 10, 2024).
36
Mote Marine Laboratory, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, https://mote.org/locations/details/mote-marine-
laboratory-aquarium (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
37
Section 379.2202, F.S.; Section 379.2201(1)(c), F.S. The section authorizes money from saltwater license and permit fees
to be used for marine research and management; see s. 379.354, F.S.
38
Section 320.08058(38), F.S.
39
Kumar Mahadevan, Mote Marine Laboratory, Exploring the Secrets of the Sea Since 1955, 3 (Nov. 19, 2010) available at
https://mote.org/media/uploads/files/MoteMarineLaboratory-history.pdf (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
40
Mote Marine Laboratory, Red Tide Research, https://mote.org/news/red-tide-research (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
41
Id.
42
Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota Operations Coastal Oceans Observation Lab, Beach Conditions Reporting System,
https://visitbeaches.org/# (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).
43
Mote Marine Laboratory, Red Tide Research, https://mote.org/news/red-tide-research (last visited Jan. 18, 2024).