Florida Senate Committee Advances Bill to Restore Seminole County Natural Riverway

A Senate committee voted 10-1 to advance SB 1066, the Northeast Florida Rivers, Springs, and Community Investment Act, giving the measure its second of three required Senate committee approvals and pushing the restoration effort closer to a final Senate vote. The bill, filed by Sen. Jason Brodeur, would begin a process aimed at gradually restoring the natural flow between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers and cultivate outdoor recreation and economic development along the corridor.

Sen. Jason Brodeur, a Republican representing Seminole County and part of Orange County who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, framed the measure as pragmatic and collaborative. “As long as it's fixed, I'm agnostic as to what the fix is,” Brodeur said. “We want to get it right. That's why we're enrolling everybody and putting a lot of money behind it, because something has to be done. What that is, you guys get to pick.” Brodeur also said the proposal would allow for the “gradual restoration” of a river system affecting twelve Florida counties, including Marion.

On the House side, companion legislation HB 981 has cleared three committees. House State Affairs Chair Rep. Will Robinson Jr. praised the process, telling lawmakers, “I compliment you on this great policy.” Supporters, including the Great Florida Riverway Trust, urged lawmakers to back what they framed as a regional project. Linda Myers, speaking for the trust, said, “HB 981 is a community-driven approach to restoring the Oklahoma River that will benefit all 12 counties along our great rivers.”

Environmental advocates point to the Ocklawaha’s central role in the regional watershed. The Florida Wildlife Federation noted, “The Ocklawaha River is the heart of the Great Florida Riverway, connecting Silver Springs to the St. Johns River. For decades, its natural flow has been blocked by the Rodman, also known as Kirkpatrick Dam.” The federation argued that reuniting the Riverway would “strengthen water quality, revive habitat, expand recreation, and support regional economies,” and that the effort could become “the largest springs restoration effort in Florida’s history.”

HB 981 would require the Department of Environmental Protection to produce a restoration plan by Jan. 1, 2027, and finish the work by Dec. 31, 2032. The House measure would also create a 16-member Northeast Florida River and Springs Recreation and Economic Development Council to develop an outdoor recreation plan funded with grant dollars; Duggan’s bill structured the council so local communities, outdoor enthusiasts and others each have representation.

The legislation faces political and practical hurdles. Putnam County officials previously raised objections at a House subcommittee, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled opposition in the past: he vetoed $6.25 million for a study during the 2025 Legislature and said, “I felt keeping it status quo was the right thing to do,” adding, “I’m not sure that anything’s changed since I acted last year.” Lawmakers advancing the bills acknowledge the proposal must still “survive Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen.”

For Seminole County residents, passage would shape local planning, recreation and waterfront economies while committing the DEP to a multiyear timetable. Next steps include a final Senate committee stop and floor votes in both chambers; if the bills clear the Legislature, funding and executive approval will determine whether the phased restoration proceeds. The work ahead will test whether legislative momentum, local stakeholders and state funding align to reopen a chapter of Florida’s river conservation.