Drawing on STC’s six decades of international sea turtle conservation experience, STC’s Florida Policy Initiative is improving the survival outlook for marine turtles in Florida, which supports 90% of all the sea turtle nesting in continental U.S., by advocating for state protection of sea turtles and their habitat and empowering small, local sea turtle groups throughout Florida. The Sea Turtle Conservancy initiated the campaign to address the threats to Florida’s nesting sea turtles posed by coastal development, construction of sea walls, and increasing reliance on beach nourishment to protect poorly sited upland development.

Every year, the Florida Legislature, made up of 120 House members and 40 Senate members, convenes to pass legislation. STC closely monitors bills and policies that could positively or negatively impact Florida’s sea turtles and their habitats and, when necessary, calls upon its members and followers to contact legislators about these policies. Outside of the Legislative Session, STC also monitors proposals that could impact sea turtles.

STC’s Florida Policy Initiative seeks to eliminate or reduce the continued destruction of Florida’s remaining coastal habitat by addressing the root causes – poorly designed coastal management policies and ineffective enforcement of existing laws and regulations.