By PATRICK GILLESPIE
Governor Ron DeSantis’ recommended budget, which he submitted in February to the Florida Legislature, is full of environmental priorities, including billions of dollars of investment in Everglades restoration, water quality improvement, land conservation, springs protection, and other major funding items.
By law, the Governor must submit a recommended budget at least 30 days before the 60-day legislative session, which begins March 4. The Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate will craft their proposed budgets and negotiate budget items through early May. DeSantis then has line-item veto authority once the Florida Legislature passes its budget and sends it to him for review.
Among the highlights of the Governor’s Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 are:
- $805 million dedicated to Everglades restoration efforts, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, EAA Reservoir, Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Plan and the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Plan
- $600 million for targeted water quality improvements and springs protection efforts for meaningful and measurable nutrient reductions in key waterbodies across the state and to implement the recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force
- This includes $80 million investment for the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project to reduce the levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Kissimmee River before flowing into Lake Okeechobee
- Also included is $470 million to support several water quality grant programs in part through newly established revenue stream dedicated in the Seminole Gaming Compact, including funding for the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee River and Biscayne Bay
- $80 million is provided for water supply programs, including $20 million in dedicated funding for Northwest Florida’s Water Supply Program with expanded eligibility for all basins
- The budget recommends $132 million to support land acquisition and recreation development assistance programs, as well as $69 million to support Florida State Parks
- $100 million is recommended for beach programs, up from $50 million in the current budget
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert in a statement touted DeSantis’ commitment to environmental budget priorities.
“As Secretary, I look forward to continuing the department’s mission and being a good steward of the resources taxpayers have entrusted us to invest wisely,” she said.
South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Chair Chauncey Goss commended the investments for Everglades restoration, water storage, flood control, and other priorities for South Florida waterways.
“Governor Ron DeSantis continues to lead the way to protect America’s Everglades and advance key Everglades restoration projects,” Goss said. “Since 2019, when Governor DeSantis took office, the District has celebrated 75 project completions, groundbreakings, and other major milestones – the most in state history.”
Everglades Trust CEO Anna Upton also lauded the Everglades investments, pointing to the importance of a clean Everglades for the state’s economy.
“With this historic investment, Governor DeSantis continues to make good on his word to protect and restore the Everglades,” she said. “He understands that investing in Everglades restoration not only helps the environment but also yields a significant return for the state, as Florida’s economy depends on clean water and a healthy and restored Everglades.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission pointed to several other budget items the agency is promoting, including $30 million for Apalachicola’s Oyster Habitat, a $10 million investment in shooting sports facilities, and $10 million to help artificial reefs.
“Governor DeSantis’ recommendations reinforce his unwavering support to Florida’s fisheries, hunting and angling community, public access to shooting sports, and the long-term recovery of the Apalachicola Oyster Habitat,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “These investments are in addition to the Governor’s law enforcement pay plan, support of enhanced training capabilities for FWC Officers, and funding to bolster our operations to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.”
