Government Affairs

The State of Offshore Drilling in Florida Part 2

Florida is a state known for its tourism, fishing, and beautiful wildlife. These defining aspects of The Sunshine State were threatened in 2010 when the largest oil spill in U.S. history rocked the Gulf of Mexico. We previously discussed the disastrous sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, the resulting oil spill, and the environmental and legislative fallout. Now, a Florida construction attorney at Cotney Construction law will discuss what this means for the future of offshore oil drilling in Florida. For any projects that require complex construction undertakings, one of our attorneys can ensure that you are compliant with all regulations.    

Repealing Previous Regulations  

In part one of this article, we mentioned that in the wake of the BP oil spill, regulations were established in an attempt to prevent future oil spills. In 2018, this legislation was revoked by President Donald Trump. Currently, the responsibility is on the states to oversee offshore oil and gas drilling. Floridians responded on November 6, 2018, by voting in opposition of offshore drilling in coastal waters. Floridians haven’t forgotten the BP oil spill, and many will never trust oil drilling in and around Florida.

Oil in Florida

Reports state that Florida will be exempt from offshore drilling plans, but as of yet no action has been taken to ensure that Florida is protected. Oil companies are confident that there is oil to be had in and around Florida, and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before the go-ahead is given for testing and drilling to commence in the federal waters off the coast of Florida. The rules and regulations for oil drilling in Florida are obviously complicated and just one example of how regulations can greatly vary from one area of the world to another.

For assistance with construction regulations and employment laws for any type of construction project, please consult with a Florida construction attorney at your earliest convenience. With decades of experience partnering with construction firms in residential and commercial construction projects, our attorneys understand regulations for a wide range of complicated undertakings and we can ensure that you are compliant with all regulations related to your project.

If you would like to speak with one of our Florida construction attorneys, please contact us today.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.