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FL S0546
Bill
AI Summary
- Over 1 million tires were deposited in the ocean off Broward County in the 1970s to create an artificial reef (Osborne Reef), but many corroded and broke loose, damaging the existing natural coral reef system and prompting millions of dollars in state retrieval funding
- Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to submit a status report on the Osborne Reef cleanup and tire removal project to the Legislature by December 1, 2023, including the number of tires retrieved, tires remaining, and an estimated completion timeline
- Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive coral reef restoration plan for Osborne Reef by July 1, 2024, covering restoration of both the artificial reef and any nearby natural reefs damaged by the tire installation
- The restoration plan must address shifting resources from tire retrieval to reef restoration and coordination with other coral reef restoration projects, with implementation subject to legislative appropriation
- Upon completion of the plan, the department must report to legislative leadership with a status update and any recommendations for statutory changes needed to achieve restoration goals
Legislative Description
Restoration of Osborne Reef
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see HB 641 (Ch. 2023-126)
4/27/2023
Committee Referrals
Appropriations4/13/2023
Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government3/6/2023
Full Bill Text
No bill text available