TALLLAHASSEE, Florida — State legislators this year pivoted away from spending money to buy environmentally sensitive land and instead poured hundreds of millions into paying Florida land owners — including farm owners — to prevent them from developing their property.
That was one of the biggest environmental spending highlights in this year’s $115 billion state budget that also included a significant retreat from a decision made just a year ago to permanently dedicate money from the state’s gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe to environmental programs.
Lawmakers finalized a budget last week that included nearly $700 million on Everglades restoration efforts and nearly $700 million on water quality projects.
But the final budget (SB 2500) approved included just $18 million for Florida Forever, a signature land conservation program that has existed for decades, to use on buying land. It marks some of the lowest rounds of funding since Gov. Rick Scott (R) was in office. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) had recommended $100 million.
