Mangrove butchers were put on notice today, when legislation filed by Sen. Aronberg (D-Greenacres) passed the Florida Senate’s Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. Aronberg represents a large part of Lehigh Acres in the sprawling district that reaches from the east coast to Fort Myers.

Concerned by the disappearance of mangroves on both sides of his five-county district, Aronberg began working with officials a year ago to strengthen Florida’s protection laws, a spokesman in his office said.

“I was shocked to learn that this precious resource can be completely destroyed and we cannot do anything because our hand are tied,” Aronberg said. “Florida’s weak laws allow renegade trimmers to easily skirt important mangrove protections.”

Florida has suffered dramatic losses to mangrove habitats. The Lake Worth Lagoon has experienced an 87 percent decrease of its mangrove acreage over the past 40 years.

Currently, enforcement officials cannot revoke licenses of individuals who repeatedly violate mangrove protection laws. Additionally, only licensed individuals can be fined. In many instances, unlicensed workers are hired because the rogue workers cannot be penalized.

Aronberg’s bill would give enforcement officials to go after anyone who violates the law, revoke licenses of professionals who repeatedly violate the law, and increase penalties for egregious violations.

“We need to ensure that future generations of Floridians will be able to enjoy all that our state has to offer,” Aronberg said.

Aronberg’s bill is sponsored in the House Rep. Rick Kriseman.