2025 Legislative Session

Join springs protectors in calling on Senator Trumbull to amend SB 1388: Vessels to remove concerning language that would make it virtually impossible for FWC to establish springs protection zones where necessary - We need you to use your voice to save springs protection zones in Florida!

One provision in SB 1388 requires FWC to prove that vessels are the predominant cause of harm, which is impossible to prove. The bill states, "Significant harm includes negative impacts to water quality, water quantity, hydrology, wetlands, and aquatic and wetland-dependent species where the operation, anchoring, mooring, beaching, or grounding of vessels is determined to be the predominant cause of negative impacts." This will jeopardize future and existing Springs Protection Zones and essentially removes SPZs from the springs protection toolbox.

Springs protection zones are one way we have to mitigate harm to our springs while balancing conservation and recreation. Establishing a SPZ is a scientifically and publicly driven process created just four years ago by the Florida Legislature, and we need to tell Senator Trumbull why the current criteria should be left in place. Senator Trumbull’s district includes Jackson Blue Springs, Merritt’s Mill Pond and many other springs in Northwest Florida - We hope Senator Trumbull will recognize the need to protect Florida’s springs and remove this language.

Join springs protectors in calling on Senator Trumbull to amend SB 1388: Vessels to remove concerning language that would make it virtually impossible for FWC to establish springs protection zones where necessary - We need you to use your voice to save springs protection zones in Florida!

One provision in SB 1388 requires FWC to prove that vessels are the predominant cause of harm, which is impossible to prove. The bill states, "Significant harm includes negative impacts to water quality, water quantity, hydrology, wetlands, and aquatic and wetland-dependent species where the operation, anchoring, mooring, beaching, or grounding of vessels is determined to be the predominant cause of negative impacts." This will jeopardize future and existing Springs Protection Zones and essentially removes SPZs from the springs protection toolbox.

Springs protection zones are one way we have to mitigate harm to our springs while balancing conservation and recreation. Establishing a SPZ is a scientifically and publicly driven process created just four years ago by the Florida Legislature, and we need to tell Senator Trumbull why the current criteria should be left in place. Senator Trumbull’s district includes Jackson Blue Springs, Merritt’s Mill Pond and many other springs in Northwest Florida - We hope Senator Trumbull will recognize the need to protect Florida’s springs and remove this language.

Save Springs Protection Zones

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I ask that you please amend CS/SB 1388: Vessels to remove the changes to current statute on lines 76-81 regarding protection zones for springs. Determining the predominant cause of harm to a spring system - which is impacted by a combination of pollution, flows, and recreation - is not possible and would essentially remove FWC’s ability to establish Springs Protection Zones where necessary. This requirement will jeopardize future and existing Springs Protection Zones, which are meant to strike a balance between conservation and recreation at Florida’s iconic and unique springs, like Weeki Wachee Springs, for future generations.

Please delete lines 76-81 of CS for SB 1388, which reads, “Significant harm includes negative impacts to water quality, water quantity, hydrology, wetlands, and aquatic and wetland-dependent species where the operation, anchoring, mooring, beaching, or grounding of vessels is determined to be the predominant cause of negative impacts.”

This language removes springs protection zones from FWC’s toolbox and could impact future efforts to protect springs in your district and across Florida.

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