Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year that prioritizes funding for Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, and conservation of natural landscapes. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Alexis A. Lambert expressed support for the plan, highlighting its focus on environmental protection.
“Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has championed efforts that continue to achieve more now for Florida’s environment, and the Floridians First Budget bolsters that commitment with a historic investment in the natural places that make Florida, Florida. That includes accelerating the completion of projects to restore the Everglades, improve water quality, strengthen our shorelines and protect the land around us,” said Lambert.
“This budget reflects the Governor’s record of following through on environmental promises and investing in projects that matter to Floridians, all while responsibly managing taxpayer resources. I applaud these investments and look forward to working with the Legislature to deliver this budget and leave our state better than we found it for the next generation,” she added.
The proposed budget allocates over $1.4 billion toward Everglades restoration and water quality initiatives. With this investment, total spending under DeSantis’ administration would approach $9.5 billion dedicated to these priorities.
A significant portion—$810 million—is set aside to accelerate Everglades restoration projects by five years ahead of schedule. Of this amount, $681 million will go toward completing major restoration work; $586 million is designated specifically to finish state-funded portions of the Central Everglades Planning Project, which focuses on cleaning and moving water through key reservoirs and flow-ways.
Additional funds include $50 million targeted at supporting estuary projects in Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie areas as well as $79 million for northern Everglades programs.
Because of reductions in state debt obligations, $80 million from existing Land Acquisition Trust Fund allocations will be redirected to maintain capital projects within South Florida Water Management District Basin.
Water quality improvement remains a priority with $408 million planned for nutrient reduction efforts across important waterways:
– The Water Quality Improvement Grant Program will receive $250 million.
– The Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project is allocated $100 million.
– An additional $50 million is earmarked for accelerating scientific nutrient reduction goals.
Other initiatives include:
– $65 million to address harmful algal blooms such as blue-green algae and red tide,
– $60 million dedicated to alternative water supply development,
– And $50 million aimed at restoring springs throughout Florida.
Conservation lands also see substantial investment: one-time funding totaling $150 million plus a restored recurring allocation of $65 million annually for Florida Forever due to accelerated debt repayment strategies. State park maintenance receives an extra boost with an additional $70 million alongside pay increases recommended for park service staff.
To address shoreline erosion issues along Florida’s 1,300-mile coastline—which are crucial both economically and environmentally—the proposal recommends another $75 million in beach nourishment funds. Furthermore, resilience efforts against flooding and hurricanes are supported by an additional investment of $208 million through the Resilient Florida Program; this includes funding statewide protection projects as well as coral reef preservation work.
More information about ongoing environmental programs can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov.
