Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3831
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T05:38:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025 (H.R. 3831)
Purpose
This legislation amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to extend an existing prohibition on feeding sharks to the exclusive economic zone off the coast of Florida.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is cited as the "Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025."
- Amendment to Existing Law: It modifies Section 317 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1866) by:
- Changing "the State" to "the States."
- Adding "and Florida" after "Hawaii" in the text.
- Core Prohibition: This change prohibits the feeding of sharks in the exclusive economic zone off Florida, matching the restriction already in place for Hawaii.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The amendment expands the geographic scope of the shark feeding ban from Hawaii alone to include Florida.
- It updates the statutory language to reflect multiple states rather than a single state.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Federal agencies responsible for fisheries management, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, may need to update enforcement protocols and monitoring in Florida waters.
- Citizens and Businesses: Individuals and commercial operators in Florida involved in activities like shark diving or tourism could face restrictions, potentially affecting local marine-related enterprises.
- International Relations: No direct effects are specified, as the changes apply only within U.S. exclusive economic zones.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Florida-based marine tourism and dive operators.
- Recreational fishers and divers in Florida.
- Federal fisheries management agencies.
- Marine conservation organizations.
- The State of Florida government.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill operates within Congress's authority to regulate activities in federal waters under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
- It represents a targeted extension of federal marine resource protections without altering broader constitutional frameworks for fisheries management.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-06-02: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-06-02: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3751)
- 2026-06-02: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3751)
- 2026-06-02: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3831.
- 2026-06-02: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3751)
- 2026-06-02: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2026-05-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 572.
- 2026-05-20: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-658.
- 2026-05-20: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-658.
- 2026-03-05: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-05: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-03-05: Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- 2025-07-22: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-07-16: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Bill Versions
- Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025 — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (4 pages)
- Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-06 — PDF (2 pages)
- Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025 — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (2 pages)
- Florida Safe Seas Act of 2025 — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (4 pages)