Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has put forward the Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, emphasizing investments in Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, and conservation of natural landscapes. The budget proposal was publicly supported by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.
“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,” Lambert stated.
She continued: “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.”
The proposed budget allocates over $1.4 billion toward Everglades restoration and water quality initiatives. This would bring total spending under DeSantis’ administration on these efforts to nearly $9.5 billion.
A significant portion of this funding—$810 million—is designated for accelerating completion of key Everglades restoration projects ahead of schedule. Of this amount, $681 million is set aside specifically for finishing state-funded parts of the Central Everglades Planning Project, including work related to water storage and conveyance infrastructure such as the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir and Blue Shanty Flow-Way.
Other targeted allocations include $50 million for projects supporting the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries, along with $79 million directed at Northern Everglades protection programs.
As part of ongoing debt reduction strategies within Florida’s environmental funding framework, $80 million from existing Land Acquisition Trust Fund allocations will be repurposed to support maintenance needs within South Florida Water Management District Basin capital projects.
To address broader concerns about water quality across key regions in Florida:
– The Water Quality Improvement Grant Program would receive $250 million—with priority given to areas like Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay.
– The Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project is allocated $100 million aimed at reducing nutrient levels entering Lake Okeechobee.
– An additional $50 million will go towards accelerating scientific nutrient reduction goals statewide.
– Funding includes $65 million for combating harmful algal blooms such as blue-green algae and red tide.
– Another $60 million is intended for alternative water supply development.
– Springs restoration receives a proposed investment of $50 million.
Conservation land acquisition remains a focus with a recommended one-time allocation of $150 million—including restored recurring funds for programs like Florida Forever—plus an additional $70 million dedicated to state park upkeep. Pay increases are also planned for park rangers and personnel.
For shoreline protection measures, there is an extra recommendation of $75 million for beach nourishment addressing erosion issues along Florida’s coastline. The Resilient Florida Program would see another $208 million invested in flood prevention measures statewide—$150 million directed at implementation projects protecting both coastal and inland communities from flooding or hurricanes—and further support for coral reef protection initiatives.
More information about these environmental initiatives can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov.
