CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday known as on the Division of the Inside to desert plans for offshore drilling off Florida’s Gulf Coast, saying the proposal would solely weaken protections established below a 2020 government order.
The Trump administration on Thursday introduced a plan that would open components of the Jap Gulf of Mexico to grease drilling in 2029 and 2030, with Florida’s waters changing into eligible after areas close to different Gulf states open in 2027. The proposed drilling would happen at the least 100 miles offshore.
DeSantis, talking at an unrelated press convention in Crystal River, was requested by a reporter concerning the announcement. The governor mentioned the plan may threaten each the atmosphere and navy operations.
“I believed it was very considerate coverage in 2020. Now what the Inside Division is proposing to do is de facto to return off that coverage, and I believe that may weaken protections that we labored very onerous to determine,” he mentioned.
BREAKING: The @Inside is proposing a significant shift in offshore vitality coverage that would open the door to new drilling off Florida’s coast
Requested concerning the plan, Gov. DeSantis mentioned Florida ought to keep on with the 2020 coverage that strengthened environmental and navy safeguards pic.twitter.com/YKq0R3rbV3
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) November 21, 2025
He added that navy coaching within the Panhandle might be affected.
“In case you go speak to our of us up within the Panhandle who’re stationed there, they’ll say it’s actually vital to have the ability to have that entry to have the ability to do key coaching,” DeSantis mentioned.
Florida’s waters have been protected against offshore drilling till 2032 below the earlier coverage. DeSantis mentioned he hopes the Inside Division will “double down” on that coverage relatively than proceed with the brand new proposal.
