Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, marking the largest single-year investment in Everglades restoration projects in Florida’s history. The budget allocates $3.1 billion to expedite critical Everglades restoration projects, protect and restore Florida’s waterways using sound science, and fund infrastructure projects aimed at improving water quality and supply.
“Governor DeSantis has once again demonstrated his strong commitment to Florida’s environment by funding critical, scientifically sound projects to protect and restore our water quality, fortify our coastlines and expand our unrivaled conservation lands,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “Over the coming year, we look forward to maintaining our momentum in these efforts, including expediting projects to restore Florida’s Everglades, funding projects through the Resilient Florida Grant Program and delivering on the Governor’s vision of increasing public access to our conservation lands through additional outdoor recreation, camping and lodging options at Florida’s award-winning state parks. The prioritization and investment in Florida’s environmental protection goals have made them a reality now and in the future. I am excited for DEP and our partners to maintain this momentum for Florida’s residents, visitors, resources and economy.”
The budget highlights several key priorities for environmental protection:
– $850 million for Everglades Restoration
– $535 million for targeted water quality improvements
– $281.5 million for coastal and inland resilience
– $55 million to restore Florida’s springs
– $40 million to combat harmful algal blooms and red tide
– $55 million for the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program
– $156.1 million in conservation lands
– $234 million for cleanup programs
In 2019, Governor DeSantis called for a $2.5 billion investment over four years for Everglades restoration and water quality. He surpassed that goal by securing over $3.3 billion during his first term. In 2023, he reinforced his commitment with a call for a historic $3.5 billion investment in Everglades restoration and water resource protection. The current budget includes more than $1.5 billion for this initiative, bringing the total investment during his first two years of his second term to $3.2 billion and raising the state’s cumulative commitment since he took office to $6.5 billion.
