Florida Appoints New Chief Resilience Officer to Combat Climate Risks!

Florida Appoints New Chief Resilience Officer to Combat Climate Risks!

On August 28, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis has made a pivotal appointment with the selection of Edward „Eddy“ C. Bouza II as Florida’s new Chief Resilience Officer. Bouza, known for his deep expertise as a certified flood plain manager, previously directed the Resilient Florida Program, a vital initiative that provides grants aimed at tackling the substantial challenges posed by hurricanes, flooding, and rising sea levels.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Bouza will take the helm in leading multifaceted efforts to enhance mitigation investments and foster coordination across various agencies. Dawn Shirreff, the Florida director of the Environmental Defense Fund, expressed enthusiasm surrounding Bouza’s appointment, noting his experience in implementation as a significant boon for addressing Florida’s pressing environmental needs. Similarly, Tom Frazer, the former Chief Science Officer, highlighted the productive collaboration between Bouza and the Florida Flood Hub, while Greg Knecht, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Florida, called Bouza a champion for environmental resilience.

A Focus on Nature-Based Solutions

Bouza’s expertise extends beyond administrative experience. He completed training with the Natural Resources Leadership Institute, emphasizing nature-based resilience features, which have shown to be more effective and cost-efficient than traditional infrastructure. The importance of these natural infrastructures—like mangroves and coral reefs—has become increasingly critical for coastal protection, especially in less urban areas. Projects underway, such as the coral reef restoration along Florida’s Atlantic coast and oyster restoration in the Gulf, underscore the need for viable solutions that support essential wildlife habitats while enhancing coastal resilience, as detailed by The Nature Conservancy.

Since the inception of the Resilient Florida Program in 2021, approximately $1.8 billion has been allocated, with funding supporting over 320 planning grants. This funding has been a lifeline for vulnerability assessments and significant projects, including flood mitigation efforts in Venice and wetland restoration in Winter Haven. Reflecting on last year’s legislative session, $175 million was earmarked for the Resilient Florida Program, with over $2 billion in proposed projects aimed at tackling critical environmental challenges.

The Urgency of Decision-Making

As Florida reels from the aftermath of recent hurricanes, flooding, and unrelenting heat waves, the need for data-driven decision-making has never been more crucial. Shirreff emphasized the growing risks Florida faces, advocating for strategic planning that prioritizes viable, nature-based solutions to safeguard the state’s vulnerable communities. Indeed, innovative modeling tools are already being developed to aid in climate adaptation, demonstrating a proactive stance in tackling these escalating issues.

Florida’s coastal environment faces continual threats from climate change, necessitating multi-tool approaches to foster a resilient ecosystem. The Nature Conservancy actively collaborates with various agencies as part of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, which seeks to coordinate mitigation and adaptation strategies across Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties. This partnership aims to create robust natural strategies to protect communities against the perils of storm surge and rising tides.

As the deadline for this year’s Resilient Florida grants approaches on September 1, many critical projects remain unfunded, including improvements to wastewater treatment facilities and stormwater drainage systems. These gaps emphasize the urgency of Bouza’s new role in ensuring that Florida not only remains resilient in the face of climate change but also strategically invests in its natural resources for the benefit of future generations. As the state and its communities brace for what lies ahead, under Bouza’s leadership, hopes remain high for a coordinated and effective response.