The bill amends Section 377.242 of the Florida Statutes, focusing on the permitting process for drilling, exploration, and extraction of oil and gas resources. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate whether the natural resources of certain bodies of water and shore areas are adequately protected from potential accidents or blowouts. A new balancing test is introduced to assess the adequacy of protection, which considers various factors such as ecological functions, water quality impacts, and the current condition of the ecological community. Additionally, the bill specifies that no structures for drilling or production may be permitted in certain sensitive areas, including submerged lands within bays or estuaries, and within specified distances from coastlines and freshwater bodies, unless the department is satisfied with the protective measures in place.

The bill also reenacts sections related to the conditions for granting permits and penalties for violations, ensuring that the amendments are incorporated into existing law. It emphasizes that permits must include an agreement for inspection by division personnel and clarifies that the prohibitions on drilling do not apply to leases entered into before June 7, 1991. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1300 Filed: 377.242