Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Darren Soto (D-FL) have introduced a bipartisan bill that provides Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance in combating harmful algal blooms, such as red tide.
Aptly named the Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, Rep. Buchanan's bill would amend the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include red tide and other harmful algal blooms as a "major disaster," thereby requiring FEMA to assist state and local authorities in resisting outbreaks.
Southwest Florida experienced an outbreak of red tide at the beginning of February due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, prompting nearby beaches to issue health advisories. Red tide is toxic to fish, shellfish, and humans, killing the former two species and causing illness in humans, ranging from mild to severe, potentially leading to cognitive impairments.
"On Florida's Suncoast, we rely on clean water and white sandy beaches to support our economy and our way of life," said Rep. Buchanan in his press release, adding, "Red tide has wreaked havoc on marine life, our coastal waters and the many businesses that rely on Florida's tourism-based economy. This bill is crucial to protect our economy and environment for generations to come. We must take immediate action to combat red tide and other harmful algal blooms."
Rep. Soto similarly discussed the effects of red tide and other algal blooms on Florida's economy, saying, "Florida's waterways are the backbone of our environment, economy, and way of life—but harmful algal blooms threaten their health and our communities."
"This legislation will provide critical resources to combat these outbreaks, protect public health, and support our local economies that rely on clean water. By reintroducing this bill, we're taking a stand for Florida's environment and the livelihoods that depend on it," Rep. Soto continued.
Buchanan and Soto had previously teamed up in February to introduce the Manatee Protection Act of 2025, which would update the conservation status of the West Indian manatee from threatened to endangered according to the Endangered Species Act of 1973's system and allow for the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to receive more resources, funding, personnel, and priority for rehabilitating the manatee population.
