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HB 1035

Nature-based Coastal Resiliency

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Fabián Basabe and 7 co-sponsors

Florida bill promoting natural coastal defenses like mangroves and wetlands restoration to reduce storm and flood risks while supporting ecosystem benefits.

Laid on Table, refer to CS/CS/SB 302
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Bill Summary · HB 1035

Legislative bill overview

HB 1035 establishes a framework to promote nature-based solutions for coastal resilience in Florida, likely including measures such as mangrove restoration, seagrass preservation, coral reef protection, and living shorelines as alternatives or complements to traditional hard infrastructure like seawalls. The bill channels resources, incentives, or regulatory guidance toward these natural coastal defense mechanisms to reduce storm surge, erosion, and flooding while supporting ecosystem health.

Why is this important

Florida faces accelerating coastal threats from sea-level rise, storm surge, and saltwater intrusion that endanger communities, property values, and infrastructure. Nature-based approaches are often more cost-effective long-term than engineered solutions while providing co-benefits like improved water quality, habitat creation, and carbon sequestration—making this relevant to both climate adaptation and economic planning for one of the nation's most vulnerable coastal states.

Potential points of contention

  • Development vs. conservation tradeoffs: Prioritizing natural ecosystem restoration may limit coastal development opportunities or require acquisition of private land, creating tensions with property owners and real estate interests
  • Funding and implementation costs: Nature-based solutions require sustained investment and maintenance; unclear how costs are distributed between state, local governments, and private entities
  • Timeline effectiveness: Natural restoration (mangroves, coral, seagrass) takes years to decades to provide protective benefit, while immediate threats may demand faster hard infrastructure responses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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