Waterfront and Ocean Resources

Florida and its neighboring sea are closely intertwined. Bounded on three sides by water, Florida has approximately 8,400 miles of tidal coastline. Many of Florida's most important communities--from Native American to European to American--were located at the water's edge. Today, most of this state's burgeoning population resides in its coastal counties. Recognizing this important interrelationship between Florida and the sea, over the years 1000 Friends has focused considerable attention on this state's waterfront and ocean resources. From 1997 to 2001 we coordinated the recognized Waterfronts Florida Program on behalf of the Florida Department of Community Affairs, helping small communities across the state revitalize their waterfront areas. Over the years we have provided staff support to such bodies as the Florida Governor's Ocean Committee as they have formulated state policy, and have prepared publications to help citizens better understand the forces of nature as they develop in coastal areas.

To find out more:

1000 Friends of Florida
P.O. Box 5948
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5948
Phone: 850.222.6277
Fax: 850.222.1117
Email Us

Here is some useful information on this state's waterfront and ocean resources:

Developing in Coastal Areas

Hands Across The Sand is devoted to protecting our coastline and waterways from the devastating environmental effects of oil exploration and support industries.

Florida Ocean & Coastal Coalition - The Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition is a group of environmental, civic, business and outdoor organizations working together to conserve, protect and restore Florida's coastal and marine environment. The Coalition emphasizes the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach to coastal and ocean management, as well as recognition of the important linkage between the health of Florida's economy and the health of its beaches and dunes, coral reefs, mangroves, sea grasses, wetlands and other natural resources. The Coalition calls on Florida's Governor, Cabinet and Legislature for action and leadership to achieve the goal of healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems.

"Protect Florida's Beaches" is a loose coalition of conservation groups, coastal businesses, local governments, and concerned citizens speaking out against this ill-conceived proposal. Florida's $562 billion annual coastal economy and ecology are too valuable to gamble on uncertain oil revenues promised by Big Oil. Every one of us can be a voice for clean beaches, vital fisheries, sea turtles, wild places and a healthy, sustainable coastal economy. This site is your gateway to join the fight.

NOAA - Ocean & Coastal Management in Florida

Florida's Coastal Management Program - DEP

The Florida Oceans and Coastal Council was created by the 2005 Legislature through The Oceans and Coastal Resources Act [pdf - 20 KB]. The Council is charged each year with developing priorities for ocean and coastal research and establishing a statewide ocean research plan. The Council also coordinates public and private ocean research for more effective coastal management.

Florida Coastal Strategies - By the Florida Coastal Training Program

Florida’s Coastal and Ocean Future: A Blueprint for Economic and Environmental Leadership

Waterfronts Florida

Purchasing Paradise -- Things to know and questions to ask when buying coastal property in Florida.

Building in Paradise -- Things to know and questions to ask when building and living on Florida’s coasts.

Sand In My Shoes -- A brief explanation of Florida’s coastal resources, including how they work, what public programs exist to protect them and, most importantly, what you can do to help on a personal level and in your community.

Ocean Policy

Florida's Ocean Challenges -- This 1998 Interim Report of the Florida Governor's Ocean Committee outlines Florida's ocean assets and management challenges.

Florida's Ocean Horizon -- This 1999 publication of the Florida Governor's Ocean Committee includes information about the current status of Florida's ocean resources and the state's management of them

Waterfront Revitalization

Waterfronts Florida -- A program of the Florida Department of Community Affairs, Waterfronts Florida assists small communities with revitalizing their waterfront areas. From 1997 to 2001, this program was coordinated by 1000 Friends on behalf of DCA.