A group of Floridians traveled to the nation’s capital today with a singular mission: hand-delivering a letter to Congress that calls for the immediate rejection of the ESA Amendments Act of 2025.
Known as H.R. 1897, the proposed legislation has sparked concern among a delegation representing a broad swath of the state, from the Panhandle down to the Florida Keys. These advocates argue that the bill would dismantle the very protections that keep Florida’s most famous wildlife—and the economies they support—afloat.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) currently protects over 100 species in Florida. This list includes heavy hitters like the West Indian manatee, the Florida panther, and various sea turtles, all of which serve as major draws for the state’s massive tourism and recreation industries.
The visiting delegation emphasizes that the law is a foundational piece of the state’s economy, fueling everything from coastal diving and fishing to state park visits.
“Florida’s wildlife is part of who we are,” said Marilu Flores, Communications & Digital Associate for the Endangered Species Coalition. “From manatees and sea turtles to panthers and coral reefs, our state’s threatened and endangered species support local economies, sustain cherished traditions, and draw millions of visitors each year. Floridians are coming to Capitol Hill to remind lawmakers that the Endangered Species Act works—and that weakening it would put both wildlife and communities at risk.”
The letter delivered to lawmakers highlights the tangible success stories of the ESA. The state’s manatee population has grown from fewer than 1,000 individuals to roughly 10,000, while the Florida panther has rebounded from a perilously low count of 30 to approximately 200.
Additionally, Florida’s loggerhead turtle aggregation is now recognized as the largest in the world, and green sea turtles have recently hit record nest counts.
Despite these gains, the delegation warns that H.R. 1897 would roll back this progress by shrinking critical habitat protections and limiting the public’s ability to hold the government accountable.
The group argues that the bill shifts a disproportionate burden onto state agencies that lack the resources to manage recovery efforts, potentially replacing a proven national standard with a fragmented and less effective system.
“For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has helped bring species back from the brink and protected the natural systems all life depends on,” said Susan Holmes, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “Congress should be strengthening this law, not dismantling it. Floridians know firsthand that protecting wildlife also protects our economy, our water, and our future.”
As the debate over H.R. 1897 continues in Washington, the Florida representatives are urging members of Congress to stick to the science-based framework that has defined the ESA for half a century, rather than adopting the proposed changes.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
