FL S1422

Designates coral reefs as "critical natural infrastructure" and a nature-based solution for mitigating climate change-related risks including storms, high wave events, sea level rise, and flooding

Declares protection of corals and coral reef-associated hardbottom in Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties to be in the public interest

Adds legislative findings recognizing that healthy coral reefs protect coastal properties from disaster events and that FEMA provides hazard mitigation funding that could support coral reef restoration for risk reduction (CR4)

Maintains existing civil penalty structure for coral reef damage: $225 for damage ≤1 square meter, $450/square meter for 1-10 square meters, and $1,500/square meter for damage exceeding 10 square meters, with a $375,000 maximum per occurrence

Takes effect July 1, 2026