PROTECT Florida Act

Term Dictionary

If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!

The gist

Bans new oil and gas leasing, drilling, and seismic testing off Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts through June 30, 2032, protecting beaches, tourism, and marine life.

Who wins, who loses

  • Wins: Florida tourism businesses, coastal residents, marine wildlife, fishing industry, military training ranges in the Gulf.
  • Loses: oil and gas companies seeking new offshore leases, workers in offshore drilling, federal lease revenue.

What it does

  • Extends the existing Gulf of Mexico drilling moratorium from 2022 to 2032.
  • Bans oil and gas exploration permits, not just leasing, in protected Gulf waters.
  • Creates a new Atlantic moratorium covering the Straits of Florida and South Atlantic areas south of Florida's northern border.
  • Prohibits seismic testing, which uses loud underwater blasts to find oil deposits.

Why should I care?

Supporters say Florida's beaches drive a $100 billion tourism economy and one spill could devastate it, plus seismic blasts harm whales and dolphins. Critics argue America needs domestic energy production to keep gas prices low and reduce reliance on foreign oil. An alternative being debated: stricter safety rules instead of outright bans. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.

What do you think about this bill?

Vote to see who sponsored it!

Bill ID: hr6068-119
Congress Session: 119
Date Processed: 2026-03-26 04:56:52 (UTC)
Introduced: 2025-11-17
Status: Introduced