Today, South Florida Water Management District Chair Chauncey Goss released the following statement regarding Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to the Florida Legislature.
“Governor Ron DeSantis continues to lead the way to protect America’s Everglades and advance key Everglades restoration projects. Since 2019, when Governor DeSantis took office, the District has celebrated 75 project completions, groundbreakings, and other major milestones - the most in state history,” said Governing Board Chair Chauncey Goss. “Restoring America’s Everglades is the world’s largest ecosystem restoration project, and we are seeing real results and record hydration levels in the Everglades. Bottom line - Our investments are working. Thank you, Governor DeSantis for continuing to drive historic momentum through state investments. This record-breaking commitment for Everglades restoration and water quality improvements will enhance the quality of life for millions of South Floridians.”
On his second day in office, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 19-12 - Achieving More Now for Florida's Environment. This Executive Order called for $2.5 billion to be invested in Everglades restoration and water quality improvements over four years and instructed the District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to expedite South Florida Ecosystem restoration projects. During the Governor’s first term in office, Florida invested more than $3.3 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality improvements.
At the start of the Governor’s second term, he reaffirmed his commitment to conserving South Florida’s Ecosystem by signing Executive Order 23-06, Achieving Even More Now for Florida's Environment. The Executive Order called for the investment of $3.5 billion in Everglades restoration and water quality improvements over the next four years. The 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget includes more than $1.5 billion for this initiative, bringing the total investment during the Governor's three years of his second term to $4.8 billion, already exceeding the $3.5 billion goal.
Florida also continues to be at the forefront of resilience planning and actively collaborates with stakeholders, local governments, and experts to develop strategies and project plans that ensure our critical flood control infrastructure can effectively adapt to changing conditions.
Everglades restoration highlights for the upcoming fiscal year include:
$805 million dedicated to Everglades restoration
$677 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, including the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir.
$78 million for the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Plan (NEEPP) and dispersed water storage projects.
$50 million for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project.
$150 million dedicated to Critical Flood Control Infrastructure
$150 million for the replacement, refurbishment and operations and maintenance of projects for critical flood control infrastructure within the District’s Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Control Project - the region’s main water management system.
$225 million dedicated to help the Indian River Lagoon, Biscayne Bay, Lake Okeechobee, and the Caloosahatchee Estuary
$100 million for Indian River Lagoon Restoration, $80 million to build a wetland treatment system to treat water before entering Lake Okeechobee, $25 million to improve water quality in the Caloosahatchee River watershed, and $20 million to improve water quality in Biscayne Bay.