Will Florida lawmakers block Manatee cruise port plan? What a new bill says

A bill approved by the Florida Senate on Thursday aims to block plans for a new cruise port in Manatee County, according to state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton.

Boyd and state Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, sponsored an amendment to Senate Bill 302, Coastal Resiliency, on Wednesday, adding language that strictly limits the types of dredging allowed in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

The waters of the preserve surround the area where two companies, SSA Marine and Slip Knott LLC, are proposing to build a new terminal for massive cruise ships that cannot fit under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The amendment and the bill unanimously passed the Florida Senate on Thursday. To become law, similar language must now be adopted by the Florida House of Representatives and then receive the governor’s signature.

In a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald, Boyd said his amendment is specifically intended to prevent “a large cruise port” from being constructed in the vicinity of Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

“The Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve is an exceptional ecosystem that is home to diverse wildlife, offers opportunities for residents to explore natural Florida and contributes to the beauty of our region,” Boyd’s statement said. “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for their unanimous support of my proposed amendment, which will prevent the massive dredging and filling that would be required to construct a large cruise port at this site. Such plans would adversely affect the water quality, utility and long‑term health of the preserve. I’m working to ensure the heart of our community is protected and maintained for generations to come.”

What does bill say?

The bill says that the Florida Governor and Cabinet could only approve dredging inside the preserve in the following circumstances:

• For public navigation projects or projects ruled “a public necessity;”
• For placement of riprap, piles rocks used to stabilize shorelines, “to enhance the quality and utility of the preserve;”
• To eliminate “conditions hazardous to public health” or “stagnant waters, islands and spoil banks” that degrade the environmental quality of the preserve;
• To create and maintain marinas, public boat ramps, piers, and docks, along with accompanying navigation channels and access roads. “Such projects may be authorized only upon a specific finding by the board that there is assurance that the project will be constructed and operated in a manner that will not adversely affect the water quality and utility of the preserve,” the bill says.

The bill would also strengthen public notice and hearing requirements regarding any proposed dredging in the preserve.

Cruise port opponents react to bill

On Thursday, environmental groups who have helped lead opposition to the cruise port said they were grateful to Boyd and other lawmakers for taking action on the issue. However, they said they were still evaluating whether the bill would add significant protections for Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve beyond what is currently in state law.

“At this time, we are reviewing the amendment to determine whether it meaningfully strengthens existing protections for Aquatic Preserves or largely duplicates current Florida Statutes,” said a statement from Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper.

“We are and have been working with our legislators to strengthen protections for Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve,” Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director added in a statement on Friday. ‘Our attention is now directed toward leaders in the House.”

On social media, many residents celebrated the bill’s passage in the Senate as a win against the cruise port plans.

“Thank you Senator,” one commenter said.

“A step in the right direction,” another posted.

Meanwhile, Slip Knott LLC, which owns the Knott-Cowen Tract where the cruise ship terminal is proposed, has argued that it holds dredging rights for the area that were conferred by the State of Florida in the 1950s. State officials have confirmed that the company’s lands are not legally part of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve.

However, the many residents and organizations who oppose the project say it would undoubtedly have negative impacts on the preserve.

Asked for comment on the bill, SSA Marine provided the following statement:

“SSA Marine is committed to environmental stewardship and creating long-term economic opportunities that we are confident will be transformative for Manatee County. We look forward to continuing to engage with residents, officials, and community leaders in meaningful dialogue to discuss a shared vision for the region which includes marine conservation, well-paying jobs, and robust recreational activities.”

Slip Knott LLC declined to comment.

This story was originally published February 20, 2026 at 5:50 AM.