I
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6068
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 17, 2025
Mr. Rutherford (for himself, Mr. Patronis, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Mr. Gimenez, Mr. Webster of Florida, Ms. Lois Frankel of Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Donalds, Ms. Salazar, Mrs. Luna, Mr. Haridopolos, Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida, Mr. Soto, and Ms. Lee of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
A BILL
To provide for a moratorium on oil and gas leasing and exploration on the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of Florida until 2032, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Preserving Recreation, Oceans, Tourism, Environment, and Coastal Towns in Florida Act
or the PROTECT Florida Act
.
Moratorium on oil and gas leasing and exploration on the outer Continental Shelf off coast of Florida
Extension of Gulf coast moratorium
Section 104(a) of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (43 U.S.C. 1331 note) is amended—
by striking 2022
and inserting 2032
; and
by inserting , and may not issue a permit for oil and gas exploration (as such term is defined in section 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act) in
after related activity
.
Establishment of Atlantic coast moratorium
Section 12 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1431) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Moratorium on oil and gas leasing and seismic testing off the coast of Florida
In general
The Secretary may not offer for oil and gas leasing, preleasing, or any related activity, including seismic testing, and may not issue a permit for oil and gas exploration in—
any area in the Straits of Florida Planning Area; and
any area in the South Atlantic Planning Area that is south of the northernmost lateral seaward administrative boundary of the State of Florida.
Application
This subsection shall apply during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on June 30, 2032.
.