In June, the state leadership agreed on a budget to end the 2025 legislative session. Audubon celebrated the passage of a state park protection bill, stopped amendments that would have caused the expansion of urban sprawl, and worked with elected officials to expand protections for sensitive ecosystems. Audubon Florida’s policy team, led by Senior Director of Policy Beth Alvi, worked overtime to stay on top of worrisome bills, collaborate with elected officials on bill language and amendments, and keep our stakeholders up to date.
The legislature passed a $115 billion budget for the coming fiscal year. It also includes more than $742 million for Everglades restoration. While the House’s initial proposed funding for Everglades restoration was woefully short, the 2025 budget numbers for Everglades restoration reflect a strong and continued commitment to safeguarding Florida’s iconic ecosystem. With a total of $550 million allocated for Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects alone and robust funding for complementary efforts like the Northern Everglades, this budget underscores the state’s prioritization of environmental resilience and water resource protection. For the first time, CERP projects were funded individually, unlike in the past when CERP funds were appropriated as a lump sum. These investments will accelerate progress on critical restoration projects that benefit ecosystems, communities, and Florida’s economy.
This article was published in the State of the Everglades Report/Spring 2025 edition.
