
Advertise on podcast: The As Bad As It Is In Florida Podcast
Rating
5from
This podcast has
40 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Ryan Smart and Ryan WorthingtonExplicit
No
Date created
2025/01/05
Latest episode
2026/02/06
Average duration
52 min.
Release period
17 days
Description
Environmental Lobbyist Ryan Smart and Florida Master Naturalist Ryan Worthington discuss the legislative process, bills, and policy that affect the environment in the state of Florida.
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Check latest episodes from The As Bad As It Is In Florida Podcast podcast
Free Speech Showdown in Tally, Bad News for the Santa Fe, and Good Bills Surge Ahead
2026/02/06
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Tuesday 2/3
House State Affairs Committee (17 HOB) (8:00 - 10:00 am)
HB 441: Conservation Lands (Kendall)Passed 23-0HB 981: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Duggan)Passed, as amended, 23-0Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee (110 SOB) (3:30 - 5:30 pm)
SB 1510: Department of Environmental Protection (Massullo)Passed, as amended, 7-0SPB 7034: Ratification of Rules of the Florida Dep. of Environmental ProtectionPassed 6-1Wednesday 2/4
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Sub. (314 HOB) (1:30 - 3:30 pm)
HB 433: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Alvarez)Passed 14-0Senate Approps. Comm. on Envir., Ag., and Gen. Gov. (412 Knott) (3:45 - 6:00 pm)
SB 546: Conservation Lands (Mayfield)Passed 11-0SB 1066: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Brodeur)Passed, as amended, 10-1SB 1120: Water Management Districts (Brodeur)Passed 11-0Only has two appropriations committeesThursday 2/5
House Housing, Agriculture, and Tourism (17 HOB) (12:30 - 3:30 pm)
HB 1245: Biosolids Management (Shoaf)Passed 16-0
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Environmental Management of Golf Courses, Positive Gains, and the Week Ahead
2026/01/31
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HB 495: Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification (Albert)
Passed 15-0
The week ahead:
Tuesday 2/3
House State Affairs Committee (17 HOB) (8:00 - 10:00 am)
HB 441: Conservation Lands (Kendall)Final CommitteeHB 981: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Duggan)Final Committee
Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee (110 SOB) (3:30 - 5:30 pm)
SB 1510: Department of Environmental Protection (Massullo)First CommitteeSPB 7034: Ratification of Rules of the Florida Dep. of Environmental ProtectionFirst Committee
Senate Approps. Comm. on Envir., Ag., and Gen. Gov. (412 Knott) (3:45 - 6:00 pm) Wednesday 2/4
SB 302: Nature-based Solutions for Improving Coastal Resilience (Garcia)Second of three committeesSB 546: Conservation Lands (Mayfield)Second of three committeesSB 636: Beach Management (Leek)SB 1066: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Brodeur)Second of three committeesSB 1120: Water Management Districts (Brodeur)First of two committees
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Attacks on Clean Energy, Cattle in State Parks, and Big Agricultural Bill Meltdown: Week Three of Florida’s Legislative Session
2026/01/29
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Week three isn't over, but there were many bills being heard that impact Florida's environment. Ryan and Ryan have your breakdown of what impacts Florida:
SB 290: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Truenow): Temp Postponed
HB 11: Designation of State Birds (Mooney)
Passed 25-0
HB 981: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Duggan)
Passed 28-0
SB 1294: Biosolids Management (Bradley)
Passed, as amended, 8-0
SB 1468: Advanced Wastewater Treatment (Berman)
Passed 8-0
SB 1474: Biosolids Management (Gaetz)
Passed, as amended, 8-0
SB 1628: Net-Zero Policies by Governmental Entities (Avila)
Passed, as amended, 5-3
HB 441: Conservation Lands (Kendall)
Passed 14-0
HB 673: Release of Conservation Easements (Duggan)
Passed 15-2
HB 1035: Nature-based Coastal Resiliency (Mooney)
HB 1245: Biosolids Management (Shoaf)
Passed 18-0
HB 1421: Cattle Grazing on State Land (Albert)
Passed 16-2
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Week Three of the Legislative Session: Bills to watch next week!
2026/01/24
Send us a text
Tuesday 1/27
Senate Rules Committee (412 Knott Building) (9:00 - 11:30 am)
HB 167: Former Phosphate Mining Lands (McClure)
House State Affairs Committee (17 HOB) (9:30 - 11:30 am)
HB 11: Designation of State Birds (Mooney)
House Budget Committee (17 HOB) (3:00 - 6:00 pm)
HB 981: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Duggan)
Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee (110 SOB) (3:30-5:30 pm)
SB 1294: Biosolids Management (Bradley)
SB 1474: Biosolids Management (Gaetz)
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
2026 Legislative Session Bills to Watch
2026/01/21
Send us a text
This week, the Ryans discuss bills that are already relevant during week two of Florida's 2026 legislative session. The bills discussed are:
SB 1066: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Brodeur) & HB 981: Tributaries of St. Johns River (Duggan)
SB 546: Conservation Lands (Mayfield) & HB 441 Kendall
SB 240: Auxiliary Containers (Garcia) & HB 575: Auxiliary Containers (Weinberger)
SB 354: Blue Ribbon Projects (McClain) & HB 299: Blue Ribbon Projects (Melo)
SB 544: Golf Courses (Truenow) & HB 495: Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification (Albert)
SB 718: Water Management (McClain) & HB 479: Land and Water Management (Maggard)
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Filed Bills that affect Florida's Environment: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
2025/12/01
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This week Ryan and Ryan discuss some of the bills that have been filed so far:
SB 240 Aux Containers
https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/240/?Tab=BillText
SB 208 Land Use and Development Regulations
https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/240/?Tab=BillText
SB 354 Blue Ribbon Projects
https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/354
HB 479 Land and Water Management
https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/479
Craig Pittman's Article regarding the same bill filed back in 2023: https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/03/16/how-a-destroyed-eagle-nest-led-florida-legislators-to-attack-local-pollution-rules/
SB 544 Golf Courses
https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/544
SB 546 Conservation Lands
https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/546
Florida Springs Council's (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) Advocacy 101 Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/live/sLjRPeOved8?si=jsB9GFXGHL6BuqJW
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Conservation Land Swaps, The Everglades, and Restoration Efforts: Reactions to the DEP and SWFWMD Presentations
2025/11/05
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This week, the DEP and SWFWMD gave presentations to committees in both the House and the Senate to discuss Florida Forever, Conservation Land Swaps, The Everglades, Forever Chemicals, and much more.
This episode is a new format for a shorter, more nimble podcast that can get information out before it becomes outdated in the fast-paced legislative environment.
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Review of presentations of Florida's environmental agencies and pro development bills so far.
2025/10/19
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This week Ryan and Ryan discuss the presentations by FWC, DEP, SWFWMD, and other agencies of the health of areas that they are monitoring. Also discussed are two pro development bills and one bill that would help control Florida's trash problem.
HB 105: Local Government Enforcement Actions (Brackett)
SB 208: Land Use and Development Regulations (McClain)SB 240: Auxiliary Containers (Garcia)
Upcoming Legislative Committee Weeks
Read more about the lawsuits over SB 180 here & here
Find your local delegation meeting
Delegation Meeting Talking Points
Sign the It's About Dam Time Pledge
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Bear Hunts, Developer Bailouts, and Double Dipping on Conservation Easements.
2025/09/29
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This week, Ryan and Ryan discuss the Florida Black Bear hunt and the number of applicants for the bear tag lottery, many purchased by those who do not want to hunt bears in an effort to limit the bears killed during the season.
In Destin, a 4-acre sand dune is up for sale for 83.3 million dollars (when it was purchased in 2017 for 8 million), and can be bought with Florida Wildlife Corridor Funds, despite not being in the Wildlife Corridor or on any priority list for conservation lands. It has the appearance of a developer bailout.
Finally, the cabinet is going to vote on an exception where someone who has a conservation easement on their property also wants to use it to sell wetland mitigation bank credits. Nothing like being paid not to develop your property and then using it to allow the development of wetlands in other areas.
Florida got 160,000 requests to hunt bears, but many applicants plan to sit out
Florida wants to buy 4 acres in the Panhandle. The price tag? $83M (Tampa Bay Times)
September 30, 2025, Florida Cabinet Agenda (See items 3b and 4f)
2025 Florida Forever Priority Projects
Find your local delegation meeting
Delegation Meeting Talking Points
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Proposed Springs National Park, SB 180, and Delegation Meetings
2025/09/15
Send us a text
This week Ryan & Ryan discuss the proposed Springs National Park, developers using SB 180 to avoid regulations, and how you can share the issues that you care about with your state elected officials.
For a list of upcoming delegation meetings:
https://1000fof.org/upcoming-events/
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
More Conservation Land at Risk and a Conversation with Old Florida Vibes
2025/08/25
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In this episode, Ryan and Ryan discuss the possible sale of the Chassowitzka River Campground and the role that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has taken in the process.
Also our special guest is Hunter from Old Florida Vibes, who describes his conservation journey and the Old Florida Vibes brand.
Show notes:
Check out Old Florida Vibes and Join the OFV Sticker Club
Why could Florida sell the Chassahowitzka River Campground? by Max Chesnes (Tampa Bay Times)
Fighting to keep the Chass campground open by Michael D. Bates (Citrus County Chronicle)
Enhance your social media advocacy by joining FAFO - https://www.fafoutdoors.com/
Watch Florida Springs Council's BMAPs 101 Webinar starting at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, 8/27
Check out 1000 Friends of Florida's list of upcoming Legislative Delegation Meetings
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Discussing Social Media and Advocacy and The Big Ass Pipe Dream, Pump the Springs Now and Maybe Fix Later
2025/08/10
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In the first segment, Ryan and Ryan discuss grassroots advocacy and social media to defend Florida's natural areas, including the advocacy Group Floridian's Advancing Florida's Outdoors .
In the second segment, the Ryans discuss the "Big Ass Pipe" a proposed project that would provide much-needed water to the Santa Fe River and Springs IF completed. The water management district wants to approve consumptive use permits as if the project was already completed, even though it is just an unfunded concept at this point.
Crystal River Fishing & Scalloping Charter - https://www.highoctanefishing.com/crystal-river-fishing-charters
Florida Springs Council Comment Letter on Santa Fe & Ichetucknee MFL Recovery Strategy
Enhance your social media advocacy by joining FAFO - https://www.fafoutdoors.com/
Watch Florida Springs Council's Springs 101 webinar: "Players and Policies"
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Florida Springs Sticker Shock and BMAPS: DEP's Water Quality Fiasco
2025/07/20
Send us a text
This week Ryan and Ryan discuss an article by the legendary Craig Pittman about the price hikes to some of the springs' entry fees in Ocala National Forest. The second segment brings a detailed discussion of DEP's near-complete abandonment of its responsibility to ensure water quality around the state and the coalition of groups attempting to hold them accountable.
Weekly Action Items -
Attend the Florida Springs Council's Springs 101: Policy & Players Webinar Host a local environmental event with Ryan & RyanSend us an email - Talk about what’s to come with podcast [email protected]
Show notes:
Private Company Controls Access to Public Land at Florida National Park
2025 Florida Basin Management Action Plans (Water Quality Restoration Plans)
Despite Threats, Orange County to Keep Rural Boundary
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Florida's Budget: A drastic loss for conservation lands.
2025/07/06
Send us a text
In this episode, Ryan & Ryan discuss the state budget to see if our elected officials put their money where their mouth is as far as water quality and conservation funding. SPOILER ALERT, they don't. Between vetos, defunding conservation land buying programs, and questionable land purchases, serious questions are being raised regarding the future of land conservation in Florida.
Weekly Action Items -
Contact Governor DeSantis to oppose Alligator Alcatraz.Sign Vote Water’s Petition to “Rescue the River of Grass.”Send us an email - Talk about what’s to come with podcast [email protected]
Show notes:
Governor DeSantis 2025 Line-Item Vetoes: https://flgov.com/eog/sites/default/files/shared/2025/06/2025%20Final%20Veto%20List.pdf
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
How to limit polluting our water with urban fertilizers and the legislature's about face on conservation funding.
2025/06/15
Send us a text
This week Ryan and Ryan discuss the details of the budget before it gets sent to the governor for signature. Cuts to conservation funding and a perversion of the implementation bill to deal a blow to the regulation of water withdrawals for agriculture. Also, special guest Michael McGrath discusses urban fertilizer ordinances and how they help protect our water quality.
Action Items
Call Gov. DeSantis at 850-488-7146 and ask him to stand with the local citizens of Apalachicola by allowing HB 1143 (Oil Drilling Ban) to become law.Use Waterkeepers Florida Action Alert to ask Gov. DeSantis to veto SB 492, wetlands mitigation banking.Tell a friend us, leave a review, or send Ryan and Ryan an email at [email protected] Florida Budget and Implementing bill (as they will be voted on by the House and Senate on 6/16)
Want more information on urban fertilizer impacts and ordinances? Check out SlimeStoppers.org and If you are interested in advocating for a strong urban fertilizer ordinance contact Sierra Club Lead Organizer Michael McGrath at [email protected]
Email us on the show with questions, suggestions, and comments at: [email protected]
Become a Florida Springs Council Informed Member - https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/informed-membership
Text ‘FSC’ to 844-722-3080 to sign up for FSC Action Alerts for the 2025 Legislative Session
Ryan Worthington can be found exploring Florida at: https://www.instagram.com/the_fl_excursionist/
Podcast reviews
Read The As Bad As It Is In Florida Podcast podcast reviews
Villainousmop 2025/06/18
Insightful and encouraging
I wanted to become a more engaged FL resident and this show was recommended to me via instagram posts. I have learned so much from the Ryans’ updates ...
abreeanna36 2025/02/22
Love this!
Such a great and informative podcast. Wildly helpful in helping me and others not just understand the issues affecting them and the areas we love, but...
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