Florida budget includes $514 million for Everglades restoration

Florida lawmakers are preparing to vote on a state budget of $115 billion, which includes $514 million allocated for Everglades restoration projects. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of this funding, indicating he would veto the budget if it did not meet his expectations for environmental spending. Republican state House member Lawrence McClure stated that the allocated amount exceeds the statutory minimum and should support ongoing restoration efforts. DeSantis's proposed budget earlier this year included $1.4 billion for these projects, and since taking office in 2019, he has committed approximately $8 billion to Everglades water quality and ecosystem initiatives. The budget deal was reached after a special session, as the original budget was delayed due to disagreements among legislators. The budget is set for a vote on Friday and will take effect on July 1 for the upcoming fiscal year.