Governor DeSantis Vetos SB 620

Algae-infested waters at a marina in Stuart, Florida in July.
Algae-infested waters at a marina in Stuart, Florida. SB 620 would have put local programs that are known to address water quality issues at risk.

Last week, we issued an action alert calling on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to Veto SB 620. On Friday June 24, 2022, thanks in part to the voices of hundreds of Save the Manatee Club supporters who spoke up for manatees and their habitat, Governor DeSantis vetoed SB 620.

Under SB 620, local programs that are known to address water quality issues like septic-to-sewer, stormwater and fertilizer ordinances would have been at risk. As we know, Florida’s water quality standards are woefully inadequate to protect our waterways, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 manatees in the past two years alone. It is often up to local communities to enact ordinances that create necessary infrastructure and programs.

We appreciate your help in defeating this legislation and protecting ordinances that can help manatees! For additional ways to take action on water quality issues, and to learn more about how they impact manatees, visit our page Algae Blooms, Seagrass Loss, and Manatee Deaths.