Florida Coastal Protection Act

This bill would block new offshore oil and gas activity off Florida’s coast. It tells the federal government not to issue new leases or other approvals for exploration, drilling, or production in three areas: the Eastern Gulf of Mexico near Florida, the Straits of Florida, and the southern part of the South Atlantic planning area off Florida, as mapped in the 2024–2029 federal offshore leasing program. Existing leases would not be changed or canceled by this bill.

Key points

• Who is affected: Oil and gas companies, coastal communities, tourism and fishing industries, and Florida residents concerned about offshore drilling.
• What changes: No new federal leases or authorizations for oil and gas exploration, development, or production in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico area referenced in law, the Straits of Florida, and the South Atlantic area south of 30°43′ N latitude; current leases keep their rights.
• When: Applies after the bill becomes law; it does not roll back rights under leases issued before that date.