Governor Ron DeSantis today showcased Florida’s progress in Everglades restoration and unveiled new budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Speaking at an event in Juno Beach, the Governor emphasized Florida’s commitment to restoring the state’s iconic ecosystem, enhancing water quality, and accelerating federal projects through state oversight.
“I’m proud to keep advancing these efforts in Everglades restoration and water quality, which will have lasting benefits to our state for years to come,” Governor DeSantis said. “I promised to leave Florida better than we found it, and we’re keeping that promise for future generations.”
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Since 2019, Florida has achieved significant milestones in Everglades restoration, tripling water storage capacity from 57.1 billion gallons to 176.1 billion gallons with the completion of the C-43 Reservoir. Ongoing projects aim to increase capacity further to over 330 billion gallons.
Major initiatives, such as the Old Tamiami Trail Roadbed, have boosted water flow to the south by 63%. The EAA Reservoir, a key component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), will store 240,000 acre-feet of water, ensuring cleaner water for the Everglades.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert praised the state’s leadership, saying, “Florida has the experience, urgency, and determination to get the job done. We have proven our ability to manage restoration projects efficiently.”
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Calls for State Control
Governor DeSantis called for greater state authority over CERP projects and restoration of state permitting rights under the Clean Water Act to eliminate federal delays and accelerate progress.
“Floridians understand the Everglades better than anyone else,” Secretary Lambert added. “We live, work, and recreate here, and we are committed to the land that sustains us.”
Under federal oversight, restoration projects have faced delays, particularly during the Biden administration. Florida has responded by completing major state-led initiatives ahead of schedule, including doubling water flow into Everglades National Park and constructing stormwater treatment areas at half the cost of comparable federal projects.
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The Governor announced a recommendation of $805 million for Everglades restoration in the upcoming fiscal year, including over $670 million for CERP and $130 million for other water quality initiatives.
In 2019, Governor DeSantis called for $2.5 billion in Everglades funding over four years. That goal was surpassed, with more than $3.3 billion secured during his first term. The Governor renewed his commitment in 2023 by targeting a $3.5 billion investment in his second term, bringing Florida’s total Everglades funding to $6.5 billion since he took office.
With the incoming Trump administration, Governor DeSantis plans to collaborate on accelerating federal approvals and securing additional resources for Everglades restoration. The Governor expressed optimism that Florida’s leadership will continue to set the standard for environmental stewardship and water management.
“Restoring the Everglades isn’t just about Florida—it’s about preserving one of the world’s most unique ecosystems for future generations,” Governor DeSantis said. “Together, we can ensure a thriving environment and secure water resources for years to come.”
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