Florida has oil reserves and a history of production. While not a major oil-producing state nationally, its oil presence has led to onshore drilling and significant debates regarding offshore exploration activities. This is largely due to Florida’s unique environmental landscape and economic reliance on tourism.
Florida’s Oil Presence and Locations
The discovery of oil in Florida dates back to 1943 when Humble Oil Company drilled the state’s first commercial oil well in the Big Cypress Swamp in Collier County, establishing the Sunniland Field. This discovery was part of the Sunniland Trend, an onshore oil reserve extending from Fort Myers southeastward to Miami, with a portion in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The oil is typically heavy crude, requiring pumping for extraction and producing various fuels and asphalt once refined. Since its discovery, the Sunniland Trend has yielded over 120 million barrels.
The Jay Field, discovered in 1970 in Santa Rosa County in the Florida Panhandle, proved to be Florida’s most productive. Initial estimates suggested 763 million barrels of oil in place, with 458 million recoverable. It has produced over 330 million barrels since its inception. Though crude, its oil contains hydrogen sulfide, requiring specialized processing facilities for refinement.
Onshore Oil Production and Regulations
Onshore oil extraction has been continuous in Florida since 1943. While oil is present, onshore production remains limited compared to major oil-producing states. Over 160 wells are operational across South Florida and the Panhandle. Peak production occurred between 1970 and 1990.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates oil and gas activities. Its framework is outlined in Chapter 377 of the Florida Statutes. Companies must obtain permits from the DEP. Regulations aim to conserve resources, protect correlative rights, and safeguard public health, safety, and the environment.
Offshore Drilling Restrictions and Environmental Concerns
Florida has stringent restrictions on offshore oil drilling, reflecting public and political opposition. State law bans drilling within Florida’s sovereign waters, which extend three miles into the Atlantic and nine miles into the Gulf of Mexico. The ban prevents drilling structures within one mile seaward of the coastline or near parks and preserves. Floridians voted in 2018 to prohibit oil drilling in state waters.
Beyond state waters, federal moratoria have protected the Eastern Gulf of Mexico from new oil and gas leasing. Presidential actions, like a 2020 memorandum, extended the moratorium for the Eastern Gulf and Atlantic waters off Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina until 2032. President Joe Biden also permanently withdrew areas of the Outer Continental Shelf off Florida’s coast from new oil and gas leases.
Restrictions are driven by Florida’s environmental sensitivities and economic reliance on coastal ecosystems. Its coastline, marine life, and tourism industry are vulnerable to oil spills. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill demonstrated impacts on marine environments and coastal economies. Floridians and officials generally agree that offshore drilling risks outweigh potential benefits, given the state’s economic and ecological priorities.