The bill changes the laws on beachfront property, possibly changing where casinos can be built
Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has reintroduced a highly contested bill that could significantly alter Brazil’s coastal landscape. The legislation aims to transfer authority over coastal land from the federal government to state, municipal, or private entities, a move that could dictate where casinos could be built in the country.
Defined as “marine land,” the bill encompasses a 33-meter strip bordering the sea, including beaches, dunes, mangroves, and coastal islands. Critics vehemently oppose the measure, fearing it could pave the way for private beaches and endanger Brazil’s rich biodiversity.
The bill initially cleared the lower house in 2022, with Senator Bolsonaro initially backing the original draft. However, facing mounting criticism, he has revised the text to include a clause asserting the public nature of beaches. Nevertheless, exceptions for “national security,” “specific legislation,” and local zoning laws remain, raising concerns about potential loopholes.
Should the Senate approve the amended bill, it will return to the Chamber of Deputies for a fresh vote.
Intriguingly, this coastal land bill appears closely linked to another controversial proposal: the legalization of casinos. Both measures passed the lower house within two days of each other in 2022, and both have garnered substantial opposition from environmental groups and those concerned about the potential for increased crime and corruption.
The casino bill has recently advanced in the Senate but has yet to reach the floor for a final vote. Should both bills be approved, Brazil will almost certainly replace its marine land with casino resorts where possible.
