2026 LKGA Legislative Watch List
LKGA LEGISLATIVE WATCH SHEET
2026 Florida Legislative Session, January 13, 2026 – March 13, 2026 (Updated 1.15.26)
State of the Legislative Season
The 2026 Florida Legislative Session is shaping up to be a strongly pro-development, reduced home-rule session, with a growing number of bills that shift authority away from local governments and toward the state. A recurring theme this year is preemption — limiting the ability of counties and municipalities to adopt or enforce local protections related to water quality, wetlands, land use, and public process.
For the Florida Keys, this trend is especially concerning. Our economy, fisheries, and way of life are deeply dependent on healthy water, functioning ecosystems, and infrastructure that is already operating at its limits. Local governments in the Keys have historically relied on locally tailored, science-based policies to respond to water quality challenges, habitat loss, flooding, and growth pressures. Many of the bills filed this session would restrict that ability.
This Watch Sheet reflects what LKGA staff and leadership are actively tracking during the 2026 legislative session. Some of these bills are moving quickly, some are still being amended, and others may never advance — but each has the potential to affect our fishery, water quality, or guiding community. This document will be updated as the session unfolds.
Bills LKGA Does Not Support / High Concern
SB 718 / HB 479 – Water Quality & Wetlands Preemption
What the bill does:
Preempts local governments from adopting, enforcing, or maintaining policies related to water quality, pollution control, discharge prevention, and wetlands that exceed state standards.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Statewide minimum standards are often insufficient for the unique conditions of the Florida Keys. This bill removes the ability of local governments to respond quickly and appropriately to localized water quality issues that directly affect fisheries and tourism.
LKGA concern:
This is a major loss of local control and one of the most consequential water-quality bills filed this session
SB 290 / HB 433 – Being called “Florida Farm Bill”
What the bill does:
A broad agricultural policy package with provisions that may limit, or chill advocacy related to agricultural impacts on water quality.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
The ability to speak openly about water quality impacts from upstream pollution is critical to protecting fisheries.
LKGA concern:
While framed as an agricultural protection measure, SB 290 / HB 433 raises serious concerns for fishing guides because it could chill speech around water quality impacts tied to upstream agricultural practices, including Big Sugar. Guides in the Florida Keys are daily stewards of the water and routinely speak publicly — in hearings, with media, through science partnerships, and in advocacy — about nutrient pollution, discharges, algal blooms, and habitat decline that affect our fishery. Even if guides are not the intended target, expanding or reinforcing “food disparagement” protections creates legal uncertainty that favors well-funded industries and discourages small businesses, organizations/NGOs and individuals from speaking out. For guides whose livelihoods depend on healthy water, any policy that makes it riskier to connect upstream practices to downstream impacts is deeply concerning, regardless of intent.
SB 698 / HB 598 – Sewage Permitting Changes
What the bill does:
Alters sewage and onsite wastewater permitting by allowing permit processes to move forward with reduced local oversight and fewer approval requirements.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Wastewater failures are one of the most direct threats to nearshore water quality, seagrass, and flats fisheries.
LKGA concern:
Sewage is always of major concern. Regulations that streamline or weaken the process needs serious re-consideration. Reduced local oversight increases the risk of pollution events in already vulnerable waters.
SB 208 / HB 399 – Land Use Compatibility & Development
What the bill does:
Limits the ability of local governments to deny development applications based on compatibility with surrounding land uses if certain conditions are met.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Development that outpaces infrastructure and environmental capacity leads to degraded water quality and habitat loss.
LKGA concern:
Again – local governments losing their ability to control what happens locally. This bill favors development certainty over environmental limits and local planning.
SB 588 / HB 399 – Local Government Enforcement Restrictions
What the bill does:
Restricts certain enforcement actions by local governments and imposes new procedural requirements.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Local enforcement is often the first line of defense against activities that harm water quality and public access.
LKGA concern:
More loss of local control. This bill weakens local governments’ ability to protect community and environmental standards.
SB 354 / HB 299 – “Blue Ribbon” Mega-Development Projects
What the bill does:
Creates a fast-track approval process for extremely large development projects, allowing them to override existing land-use plans and zoning with limited local discretion.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Large-scale development places long-term pressure on water quality, habitat, and fisheries.
LKGA concern:
This bill prioritizes large development over local planning and environmental review.
SB 686 / HB 691 – Agricultural Enclaves
What the bill does:
Expands administrative approval pathways for development within designated agricultural enclaves, with reduced public input.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Administrative approvals limit community involvement in decisions that affect water, habitat, and fisheries.
LKGA concern:
No public input is problematic. This bill reduces transparency and public participation in land-use decisions.
SB 948 / HB 1143 – Loal Government Oversight Preemption
What the bill does:
Further restricts local authority over land-use regulations and development standards.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Local governments are best positioned to understand environmental limits in coastal communities.
LKGA concern:
More local pre-emption; this bill is especially problematic for environmentally sensitive regions like ours here in the Florida Keys.
Bills LKGA Supports or Views Positively
SB 302 – Coastal Resilience
What the bill does:
Advances nature-based solutions and planning tools to improve coastal resilience.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
The Florida Keys are on the front lines of sea-level rise and climate impacts.
LKGA position:
Support.
SB 302 is a positive, forward-looking bill that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of Florida’s coastal communities and supports science-based, nature-based solutions to resilience challenges. For fishing guides and anglers in the Florida Keys, resilience is not an abstract concept — it directly affects access to water, habitat health, working waterfronts, and the long-term sustainability of our fisheries. By prioritizing planning tools and natural infrastructure that work with coastal ecosystems rather than against them, SB 302 aligns with the on-the-water realities guides see every day and supports a proactive approach to protecting both the resource and the economies that depend on it.
SB 1042 / HB 669 – Public Waters & Water Quality Warnings
What the bill does:
Strengthens requirements to notify the public when water quality conditions pose a risk to human health.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Transparency allows guides, anglers, and visitors to make informed decisions and increases accountability for water quality failures.
LKGA position:
Support.
Warning the public about poor water conditions is always important (Public Health Concerns)
SB 575 / HB 240 and SB 766 / HB 6029 – Auxiliary Containers
What the bills do:
Address regulations related to auxiliary containers, with implications for boating and marine operations.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
These bills deal with how fuel and other auxiliary containers (portable fuel cans, reserve tanks, etc.) are regulated, labeled, stored, and enforced, particularly in relation to environmental rules and penalties.
LKGA position:
Watching cautiously.
The auxiliary container bills are technical but important. While intended to simplify regulation and enforcement, they could also reduce local flexibility and environmental safeguards related to fuel handling in sensitive coastal waters. LKGA is monitoring these bills closely to ensure they strike the right balance between practical boating operations and the protection of the shallow, nearshore ecosystems our fishery depends on.
Other Issues LKGA Is Closely Watching
Out-of-State Charter Licenses (state) and Seasonal Charter Business License (county)
Issue overview:
Ongoing discussions regarding out-of-state and seasonal charter licensing and related business license structures.
What’s happening:
LKGA is actively engaged with state agencies, legislators, local governments, and partner organizations to explore potential updates and improvements.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Licensing structures affect professional guides, local businesses, and fair competition within the charter industry.
LKGA focus:
LKGA is championing these conversations on every level. The pressure on our fishery is continuing to be unprecedented and on the brink of collapse. Properly managing the use of our resource is our TOP PRIORITY. Licenses are considered taxes but should be viewed as user fees. These conversations are ongoing and gaining forward momentum at both the state and county levels, with the goal of ensuring fairness, clarity, and appropriate enforcement.
SB 840 – Fix to SB 180 (Passed in 2025)
Issue overview:
Legislation aimed at addressing unintended consequences of SB 180, which significantly affects Monroe County. This was part of the overall ROGO conversation.
Why it matters:
SB 840 is an attempt to correct unintended consequences of last year’s HB 180, which broadly froze local governments’ ability to update land-use, environmental, and resilience policies under the guise of disaster recovery. HB 180 overreached by limiting local planning authority well beyond storm-impacted areas and timelines, creating barriers for coastal communities like Monroe County to respond to water quality threats, habitat loss, and climate impacts. SB 840 restores needed flexibility and local control so counties can responsibly update comprehensive plans and development regulations to protect natural resources, fisheries, and public safety without being exposed to unnecessary legal risk.
SB 1120 / HB 701 – Everglades Restoration (CERP)
Issue overview:
Legislation related to water management districts and reporting on Everglades restoration progress and costs.
Why it matters:
Everglades restoration directly affects Florida Bay, salinity levels, and downstream fisheries in the Keys. Transparency and reporting, to ensure the funding continues to make it to the right place is always important.
Everglades Rock Mine Proposal
Issue overview:
An 8,600-acre industrial rock mine proposed adjacent to the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir.
Why it matters:
Scientists and agencies have raised concerns about seepage, contamination, and potential impacts to restoration infrastructure.
Status:
Permitting is currently paused. A revised proposal is required by February 2026.
Right to Clean Water Amendment
Issue overview:
A proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish an enforceable right to clean and healthy waters in Florida.
Status:
Supporters are pursuing placement on the 2026 ballot.
Why it matters:
If adopted, this amendment could significantly alter how water protections are enforced and how state agencies are held accountable.
Federal “Get Sharked Act”
Issue overview:
A federal proposal addressing the increase in negative human–shark interactions through coordination, research, and public education.
What it does:
Establishes a federal taskforce composed of agencies, scientists, and stakeholders to study shark behavior, incident trends, and response protocols and to develop recommendations.
Status:
The bill has passed the House. Gone through committees in the Senate. Awaiting introduction on Senate Floor.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Guides and anglers have firsthand experience with shark behavior and ecosystem changes. Future recommendations could influence public perception, management approaches, and on-water practices.
Federal Offshore Oil Drilling – Gulf of Mexico
Issue overview:
Renewed federal conversations regarding offshore oil leasing and drilling in the Gulf.
Why it matters:
Oil drilling poses serious risks to water quality, fisheries, tourism, and coastal economies.
LKGA position:
Aligned with unified opposition from Florida municipalities and local leaders who have spoken out against offshore drilling.
Access to Boat Ramps (Monroe County)
Issue overview:
Public access points are shrinking, and Monroe County is exploring a proposal to begin charging fees at county boat ramps.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Boat ramps are essential working infrastructure for local guides and residents. New fees or reduced access can directly affect the ability to run trips, respond to on-the-water issues, and safely access fishing grounds.
LKGA focus:
LKGA is monitoring the County’s proposal closely and working with Monroe County partners to ensure guides can continue using priority ramps and that access remains fair and functional for those who depend on it year-round.
Bareboat Charters & Illegal Charter Activity
Issue overview:
Bareboat charters and other forms of illegal charter activity are a growing concern for the Keys fishery, public safety, and fair competition for licensed operators.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Illegal charter activity increases pressure on already strained resources, creates safety and liability concerns, and undermines legitimate, compliant charter businesses. These types of charters are gaining in numbers at a rapid rate
LKGA focus:
The U.S. Coast Guard and USFWS are prioritizing action to prevent illegal bareboat charters, and LKGA is monitoring the situation closely while developing a plan to protect our fishery and community from all illegal charter activity.
Thrill-Craft & High-Intensity Use (Jet Skis, Catamarans, Sandbar Charters)
Issue overview:
High-intensity recreational activity—including personal watercraft, commercial sandbar operations, and certain nearshore tourism uses—continues to grow across the Keys and is increasing marine-use conflicts in sensitive areas.
Why it matters to guides and anglers:
Unmanaged or irresponsible use can contribute to habitat damage, unsafe conditions, user conflicts, and diminished fishing and boating experiences in shallow-water ecosystems.
LKGA focus:
LKGA is working to manage relationships while also aligning with agencies and partners to protect the resource. While we want everyone to enjoy our waters, we consistently call for responsible practices and hold ourselves accountable as professionals. Through coordination with management agencies and local taskforces (including the Key West Harbor Safety Committee), LKGA is committed to bringing all users to the table for collaboration—and we will always be at the table advocating for the needs of guides and anglers.
Closing Perspective: Why This Matters
Florida’s legislative process moves quickly, and the 2026 session is expected to be especially dynamic. Bills evolve, amendments appear with little notice, and priorities can shift rapidly as the session unfolds. This watch sheet reflects the landscape as we understand it today, with the clear expectation that additional proposals, revisions, and emerging issues will require ongoing attention in the weeks and months ahead.
While we are not policy experts by trade, we are deeply engaged practitioners and stakeholders. We lean heavily on the expertise of trusted partner organizations, trusted policy advisors, scientists, and advocacy groups that maintain long-standing relationships at the Capitol and bring deep technical knowledge to these issues. Their insight, combined with on-the-water experience from guides and anglers, allows us to stay informed, grounded, and responsive.
This work matters because decisions made during this session will have lasting impacts on our fishery, water quality, access, livelihoods, and the health of the Florida Keys’ fragile—but mighty—ecosystem. We remain actively engaged with lawmakers, state agency partners, local governments, community leaders, and conservation partners to monitor developments, provide input when appropriate, and speak up when necessary. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of guides and anglers—those who live, work, and depend on these waters—are part of the conversation as policies are shaped.
We will continue to watch closely, communicate clearly, and act when needed in support of our guides, our fisheries, and the communities we call home.
