SB 240 Passes Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee — Unanimously!

We’re thrilled to announce that SB 240 — a game-changing bill to reduce marine debris across Florida — passed its first Senate hurdle with unanimous support from the Environment and Natural Resources Committee!

This bill is a big step forward in the fight to keep plastic pollution out of Florida’s waters, wildlife, and stormwater systems.

What’s in SB 240:

• Creates Florida’s first-ever Marine Debris Reduction Plan
• Keeps existing local foam and plastic rules in place
• Directs DEP to regulate single-use containers in state parks
• Directs the state to create a uniform policy cities can adopt

It’s a win for clean water and a win for policy consistency, balancing what businesses have asked for with what our environment desperately needs. You can read the full bill here. 

Our Champions Deserve Thanks – We are incredibly grateful to:

• Senator Ileana Garcia, who sponsored and championed SB 240
• Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, who co-sponsored SB 240
• Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, who placed SB 240 on the agenda and helped ensure it moved forward

Their leadership shows that protecting Florida’s waters is a shared value — not a partisan issue. I encourage you to send them a pre-populated ‘Thank You’ email by clicking on their names above (it will literally take you 30 seconds, but makes a world of difference).

What Dave Told the Committee – 

“Removing plastic — especially foam — from the water is expensive, tedious work. The cheapest, easiest, and most effective solution is to keep it out in the first place. For years, there’s been a tug-of-war between businesses and environmental advocates over local plastic restrictions. SB 240 shifts the focus away from banning specific items and toward marine debris prevention — especially in sensitive coastal areas. This bill strikes a bipartisan, practical balance between business clarity and protection for Florida’s waterways.” You can watch the entire Committee meeting here. 

👏 Shout Out to Our Coalition Partners

This wasn’t a solo effort, but a collaboration between organizations who leveraged personal connections, expertise, social media and action alerts.  Thank you to:

• VolunteerCleanup.Org
• Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition
• Oceana
• Florida Springs Council
• Surfrider Foundation
• Sea Turtle Conservancy
• Sierra Club

Keep an eye out over the next few months — we will need you to make phone calls to your legislators in support of SB 240 and the companion House bill (pending release).

Let’s Keep Florida Beautiful -Foam doesn’t belong in our oceans. Plastic doesn’t belong in our springs. Together, we can stop marine debris at the source.

Thanks for standing with us.!.