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Florida Republicans Push Back on Proposal to Reopen Eastern Gulf to Offshore Drilling

Florida Republican leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, oppose an Interior Department proposal that would consider oil leasing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. That region, long protected from development and used for military training, had its moratorium extended in 2020 at Florida's request. State officials warn reopening the eastern Gulf could threaten military operations, tourism and the environment and are urging federal and congressional action to keep Florida's coasts off-limits.

04:46 AM, 11/22/2025Politics
Florida Republicans Push Back on Proposal to Reopen Eastern Gulf to Offshore Drilling

Florida's Republican leaders, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, have publicly opposed a recent Interior Department proposal that would consider oil and gas leasing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico—an area long protected from new drilling and heavily used for military testing and training.

The proposal, published Thursday, specifically targets future leasing in the eastern portion of the Gulf. That stretch of ocean was removed from energy development consideration by Congress nearly two decades ago, and then-President Donald Trump extended a moratorium on drilling there in 2020 after requests from Florida officials.

State reaction and concerns

Molly Best, a spokesperson for Governor DeSantis, urged the Interior Department to adhere to the 2020 presidential memorandum. "Our administration supports the 2020 Presidential Memorandum and urges the Department of Interior to reconsider and to conform to the 2020 Trump Administration policy," she said in an emailed statement, noting Florida's ban on drilling in state waters and the Eastern Gulf's importance to military activities.

"This region is vital to both our national defense and to Florida's economy; it must remain protected," the statement added.

The Department of Defense declined to comment on the proposal, and the Interior Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Voices from Florida's federal officials

Florida's Republican U.S. senators also voiced opposition. Senator Rick Scott said he had spoken with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and "made my expectations clear that this moratorium must remain in place, and that in any plan, Florida's coasts must remain off the table for oil drilling to protect Florida's tourism, environment, and military training opportunities."

Attorney General Ashley Moody described the proposal as "concerning" and urged her congressional colleagues to support legislation that would ban drilling off both Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts. "Preserving our state’s natural beauty is deeply important to the millions who call the Sunshine State home, our visitors, and those whose livelihoods depend on tourism," Moody wrote.

What happens next

Florida officials are pressing federal leaders and lawmakers to keep the eastern Gulf off-limits. The proposal's publication may lead to public comment and further review, but state leaders say they will push for legislative and administrative actions to maintain the moratorium.

Reporting by Nichola Groom; edited by Diane Craft.

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