State Budget Delivers High Levels of Funding for Everglades

In June, the state management agreed on a price range to finish the 2025 legislative session. Audubon celebrated the passage of a state park safety invoice, stopped amendments that may have induced the growth of city sprawl, and labored with elected officers to develop protections for delicate ecosystems. Audubon Florida’s coverage group, led by Senior Director of Coverage Beth Alvi, labored extra time to remain on prime of worrisome payments, collaborate with elected officers on invoice language and amendments, and preserve our stakeholders updated.

The legislature handed a $115 billion price range for the approaching fiscal 12 months. It additionally consists of greater than $742 million for Everglades restoration. Whereas the Home’s preliminary proposed funding for Everglades restoration was woefully brief, the 2025 price range numbers for Everglades restoration replicate a robust and continued dedication to safeguarding Florida’s iconic ecosystem. With a complete of $550 million allotted for Complete Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) initiatives alone and sturdy funding for complementary efforts just like the Northern Everglades, this price range underscores the state’s prioritization of environmental resilience and water useful resource safety. For the primary time, CERP initiatives have been funded individually, in contrast to previously when CERP funds have been appropriated as a lump sum. These investments will speed up progress on essential restoration initiatives that profit ecosystems, communities, and Florida’s financial system.

This text was printed within the State of the Everglades Report/Spring 2025 edition.