Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Alexis A. Lambert has expressed support for Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed Floridians First Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which prioritizes funding for Everglades restoration, water resources, and conservation lands.
In a statement, Secretary Lambert said: “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.”
She added: “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 improvements. With this investment, total spending on these initiatives under Governor DeSantis’ administration would approach $9.5 billion.
A significant portion—$810 million—is dedicated to accelerating Everglades restoration projects by five years ahead of schedule. Of this amount, $681 million is set aside specifically for project completion; $586 million will fully fund remaining state-supported components of the Central Everglades Planning Project. This funding targets key infrastructure such as the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir and Blue Shanty Flow-Way.
Additional allocations include $50 million for Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuary projects and $79 million directed at Northern Everglades protection programs.
Due to progress in debt reduction efforts, $80 million from existing Land Acquisition Trust Fund allocations will be repurposed from completed or soon-to-be-completed projects towards long-term maintenance within South Florida Water Management District Basin capital projects.
The budget also addresses water quality concerns with a proposed $408 million investment aimed at reducing nutrients in critical waterways:
– The Water Quality Improvement Grant Program receives $250 million—with priority given to Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay.
– The Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area Project is allocated $100 million.
– An additional $50 million is intended for accelerated nutrient reduction initiatives.
Other measures include:
– $65 million targeted at combating harmful algal blooms such as blue-green algae and red tide.
– $60 million devoted to advancing alternative water supply solutions.
– $50 million reserved for restoring springs across Florida.
For conservation lands, there is a one-time allocation of $150 million plus restored recurring funding ($65 million) for Florida Forever due to accelerated debt repayment strategies. State park maintenance receives an additional $70 million along with pay increases planned for park service staff.
To address shoreline resilience issues impacting both economic activity and community safety along 1,300 miles of coastline, an extra $75 million is recommended for beach nourishment programs addressing erosion concerns. The Resilient Florida Program would see an increase of another $208 million—including substantial support ($150 million) for statewide flood protection efforts as well as coral reef preservation initiatives.
More information about ongoing environmental work can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov.
