Governor Ron DeSantis has announced new developments in Florida's ongoing efforts to restore the Everglades and improve water resources. Speaking from Juno Beach, DeSantis unveiled budget recommendations for the 2025-26 fiscal year and emphasized the state's dedication to collaborating with the incoming Trump Administration. The goal is to accelerate critical restoration projects by gaining authority over the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, aiming to save time and taxpayer money.
“I’m proud to keep advancing these efforts in Everglades restoration and water quality, which will have lasting benefits to our state for years to come,” stated Governor Ron DeSantis. “I promised to leave Florida better than we found it, and we’re keeping that promise for future generations.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert remarked, "Floridians understand the Everglades better than anyone else. We live, work and recreate here, and we are committed to the land that sustains this." Lambert highlighted Florida's capability in managing restoration projects efficiently.
Under Governor DeSantis' leadership since 2019, significant progress has been made in restoring the Everglades. Water storage capacity has increased substantially from 57.1 billion gallons to 176.1 billion gallons with the C-43 Reservoir's opening this year. Future projects aim to further increase capacity beyond 330 billion gallons, reducing harmful discharges into estuaries and cutting nutrient pollution.
Major initiatives like Old Tamiami Trail Roadbed have improved water flow southward by 63%. The EAA Reservoir is set to store a substantial amount of water while providing clean water to the Everglades. Despite federal delays, Florida continues leading with state-driven projects enhancing water quality and protecting communities from flooding.
Florida seeks greater control over CERP projects and aims for restored state permitting authority under the Clean Water Act. This strategy intends to eliminate federal delays and quicken progress on restoration goals.
Governor DeSantis pledged $805 million for Everglades restoration in Fiscal Year 2025-26, including over $670 million dedicated specifically for CERP-related initiatives.
In 2019, DeSantis called for a $2.5 billion investment over four years for Everglades restoration and water quality improvements but surpassed that target by securing more than $3.3 billion during his first term. In 2023, he further committed $3.5 billion towards these efforts during his second term, bringing total funds obtained since taking office to $6.5 billion.