A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 16 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "PROTECT Florida Act," seeks to establish a moratorium on oil and gas activities off the coast of Florida. It aims to extend the existing Gulf Coast moratorium through the year 2032. Additionally, it establishes a new moratorium on the Atlantic coast. This new restriction prohibits oil and gas leasing, preleasing, seismic testing, and exploration permits in specific areas. The Atlantic moratorium covers the Straits of Florida Planning Area and parts of the South Atlantic Planning Area south of Florida's northernmost boundary. This restriction remains in effect until June 30, 2032.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill establishes a long-term moratorium on oil and gas activities to protect the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
- Scored +7
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?
The bill directly prohibits the issuance of new leases and permits for oil and gas production off the Florida coast.
- Scored +2
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
By halting new oil and gas leasing and exploration, the bill reduces the potential for fossil fuel carbon emissions.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill restricts oil and gas exploration and leasing, which may limit job opportunities in the energy sector.
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
Energy-related businesses will face restrictions on leasing and exploration activities due to the moratorium.
- Scored -2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The moratorium limits potential business activities related to oil and gas exploration and services.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Extension of existing protections: The bill extends the Gulf Coast moratorium by changing the expiration date from 2022 to 2032, providing long-term stability regarding oil and gas activities in that region (Section 2(a)).
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New protections for the Atlantic Coast: The bill prohibits the Secretary from offering oil and gas leasing, preleasing, or related activities like seismic testing in the Straits of Florida Planning Area and specific parts of the South Atlantic Planning Area (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on energy activities: The bill prevents the issuance of permits for oil and gas exploration and prohibits leasing or seismic testing in specific coastal areas through June 30, 2032 (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill establishes a long-term moratorium on oil and gas activities to protect the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The bill directly prohibits the issuance of new leases and permits for oil and gas production off the Florida coast. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — By halting new oil and gas leasing and exploration, the bill reduces the potential for fossil fuel carbon emissions.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill restricts oil and gas exploration and leasing, which may limit job opportunities in the energy sector. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The moratorium limits potential business activities related to oil and gas exploration and services.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — By preserving coastal environments, the bill may indirectly support the long-term stability of coastal communities.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill seeks to preserve coastal environments which may support long-term local economic stability. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill protects coastal areas that may be vital to coastal-dependent communities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill preserves coastal environments which can be a significant resource for resident populations. Would business owners be better off under this? — Energy-related businesses will face restrictions on leasing and exploration activities due to the moratorium.
- 11/18/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 11/17/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 13 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Vern BuchananRepublican · Florida
Byron DonaldsRepublican · Florida
Mario Diaz-BalartRepublican · Florida
Neal DunnRepublican · Florida
Lois FrankelDemocrat · Florida
Scott FranklinRepublican · Florida
Carlos GimenezRepublican · Florida
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Anna Paulina LunaRepublican · Florida
Laurel LeeRepublican · Florida
Jared MoskowitzDemocrat · Florida
Jimmy PatronisRepublican · Florida
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida
Darren SotoDemocrat · Florida
Daniel WebsterRepublican · Florida