1. Why do we need a coastal master plan? 

The Tampa Bay region faces escalating climate-related risks, including sea level rise, storm surge, extreme rainfall, and high-tide flooding. These threats are compounded by rapid population growth and limited regional coordination on flood mitigation. The Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan (TBCMP) provides a unified and coordinated strategy to reduce flood risks, protect natural habitats, and guide long-term resilience across seven counties.

2. What region is covered in the plan?

The plan includes seven counties: Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota, and covers coastal and inland areas. 

3. Who is leading the development of the plan? 

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) is leading the development of the plan alongside other members of the organizing team (Tampa Bay Estuary Program, National Wildlife Federation, University of Florida, Stetson University), while working closely with local governments, environmental experts, and community organizations.

4. How will the plan be developed and how long will the process take?

The planning process began in 2025 and will continue through 2028. Over the next four years the plan will combine scientific data, community input, and regional coordination to identify flood risks, prioritize projects, and guide long-term resilience strategies across the seven counties.

5. What types of flooding will this plan address?

This plan addresses sea level rise, minor storm surge, high-tide, and rainfall related flooding. It does not include flooding from major hurricanes.

6. How will the plan affect my neighborhood or community? What benefits will this plan bring to everyday residents?

The Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan is designed to make neighborhoods safer, more resilient, and more enjoyable places to live. It’s not just about protecting against flooding, it’s about improving everyday life for residents through smarter infrastructure, healthier ecosystems, and stronger community planning.

7. How does this plan align with city and county resilience plans in the Tampa Bay region?

The TBCMP complements existing local plans by offering a regional framework. It integrates with city and county resilience strategies, such as watershed management plans and stormwater dashboards, to ensure consistency and amplify impact.

8. Is the “Coastal” Master Plan relevant to inland communities?

Yes. Inland and upstream regions interact a great deal with the coast. While the name emphasizes the coast, the risks and solutions to flooding involve both inland and coastal regions. This plan is designed to improve resilience, mitigate flooding impacts, and support nature-based solutions throughout the region. 

9. What type of solutions to flooding problems will the plan include?

The plan will include three types of projects:

• Structural, such as engineered and built infrastructure designed to physically control or redirect water to reduce flood risks. 

• Non-Structural, such as policy, planning, and behavioral strategies that reduce flood risk without altering physical landscape.

• Nature Based Solutions that use or mimic natural systems to manage water, reduce flood risks, and provide co-benefits.

1. How can I participate or learn more?

There are many ways to engage in the Coastal Master Plan. Start by exploring the TBCMP official website: www.coastaltampabay.org.  

Opportunities to get involved also include:

• Join the email list

• Join a TBCMP Workgroup

• Attend public listening sessions, workshops, and trainings

• Spread the word about the plan, resources can be found here. 

2. How can I share my input or concerns about the plan?

Community input and involvement is the backbone of the TBCMP. Community members can share their insights by directly contacting the plan’s organizing team, comment during the Q&A portion of public meetings that address the TBCMP, or by giving input at an outreach event the TBCMP team may be tabling.

3. How will feedback from the communities be used in the planning process?

Information from communities will be collected, summarized, and shared with government officials in the seven counties the plan serves.  

Feedback and input will also help:

• Identify flood risk areas 

• Shape project proposals and selection

• Ensure equitable implementation

4. How are vulnerable or underrepresented communities addressed?

The Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan is designed not only to protect the region broadly but to prioritize communities that face the greatest risks and have the fewest resources to spend on recovery. This ensures equity in resilience planning and delivers tangible benefits to everyday residents who need them most.