Environmental Initiatives Take Center Stage in Florida’s Proposed Budget
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled his Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, highlighting a continued commitment to environmental preservation. The budget focuses on ongoing efforts to restore the Everglades, conserve landscapes, and enhance water resources across the state.
Environmental leaders have expressed strong support for the proposed budget, emphasizing its potential impact on Florida’s natural ecosystems and economy.
Anna Upton, CEO of The Everglades Trust, praised the initiative, stating, “The progress toward restoring America’s Everglades under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership has been unprecedented… Governor DeSantis’ budget recommendation will ensure Floridians continue to see real results for America’s largest ecosystem restoration effort and recognizes that Florida’s tourism-based economy runs on clean water.”
Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation, highlighted the financial commitment, noting, “Governor Ron DeSantis, in his eighth budget recommendation, has once again recommended that the state fully fund Everglades restoration and allocate over $810 million toward it. This level of funding will ensure that the momentous progress the state of Florida has made on restoring America’s Everglades will continue, so that Floridians and our economy can realize its benefits.”
Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, commended the budget for its investment in conservation, stating, “We applaud Governor DeSantis for his budget recommendations and continued leadership on conservation. The historic investment in Everglades restoration and committing recurring resources to Florida Forever reflects a clear understanding of what it takes to protect Florida’s land and water.”
Traci Deen, CEO of Conservation Florida, emphasized the importance of funding for land protection programs, saying, “Conservation Florida is thrilled to see the strong, continued commitment to essential funding for both the Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection programs.”
Matt Caldwell, Board President of the Florida State Parks Foundation, expressed appreciation, “We appreciate the governor’s recommended budget for Florida’s award-winning state parks and encourage all of the state’s elected officials to support full funding.”
Echoing this, Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director of Audubon Florida, remarked, “The governor’s proposed budget makes clear continued investments in Florida’s environment, including sustained funding for Everglades restoration, water-quality improvements and land conservation.”
Ernie Barnett, Executive Director of the Florida Land Council, acknowledged the ongoing efforts for environmental preservation, “The Florida Land Council commends Governor DeSantis for his proposed Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget, which continues Florida’s strong legacy of investing in the restoration and protection of the state’s natural resources.”
Eddy Bouza, Chief Resilience Officer for the State of Florida, highlighted coastal investments, “Florida’s coastline is one of our most valuable natural and economic resources and serves as a critical buffer during storms.”
Dawn Shirreffs, Florida Director of the Environmental Defense Fund, emphasized the significance of the budget, “The governor’s proposed budget includes meaningful investments and a clear signal that resilience matters.”
Pepper Uchino, President of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association, acknowledged the budget’s focus on coastal preservation, “In Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget, he continues his historic investment in Florida’s natural resources.”
David Rathke, Executive Director of Resiliency Florida, recognized the importance of infrastructure protection, stating, “We appreciate Governor DeSantis’ commitment to funding the Florida Resilience Grant Program.”
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