ABSTRACT


 Florida's oil and gas policies have evolved in response to its increased awareness of the economic and
aesthetic value of its other natural resources. The history of state oil and gas regulations and policy in
Florida can be divided into three phases. The first phase encouraged exploration with no stated concern
for other natural resources. This phase culminated in the legislative offer of an award for petroleum
discovery. The second phase began in 1945 with the passage of the conservation law and spanned the
mid- 1940's to -60's. This period was characterized by economic concern for tourist trade and commercial
fisheries. Finally, environmental concerns became an issue in the early 1970's. The effects of these
concerns are especially apparent in the development of recent offshore policies and regulations. The
following text describes the history of oil and gas development and regulation in Florida as it relates to
concerns for the economic and aesthetic value of Florida's other (non-petroleum) natural resources.


 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 Walt Schmidt, Tom Scott, Steve Spencer, David Curry, Ed Lane, and Frank Rupert, all staff members
of the Florida Geological Survey, reviewed this report and suggested improvements. Debbie Tucker
(Office of the Governor, Environmental Policy, Community and Economic Development Unit,
Tallahassee, Florida) reviewed the section on offshore activity and policy development and suggested
clarifications. Jim Jones and Ted Kiper drafted and photographed the figures.