Conservationists, though, oppose the legislation, which they believe will severely impact sea turtle nesting.
Florida’s state Legislature began meeting in session Tuesday.
In an attempt to protect properties from steadily rising sea levels, state Sen. Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach, and Rep. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, filed identical bills, State Bill 1504 and House Bill 1133. Both are titled "Coastal Construction and Preservation."
According to the bills, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection would be required, rather than authorized, to issue permits for "rigid coastal armoring structures," or seawalls, as long as they meet the qualifications. It’s not something that conservation organizations are happy about.