Florida Legislative Session Brings Everglades Funding and a Slew of Bills

State Funding

Florida lawmakers approved a $114.5 billion state budget for 2026–27 — slightly smaller than last year’s budget. State leaders framed the lower spending plan as a way to keep taxes low, pay down debt, and prepare for the future. The agriculture and environment budget totals about $8.9 billion and includes major investments in clean water infrastructure, restoration work, and conservation programs across the state. 

The good news for conservation advocates: The budget continues strong support for Florida’s environment and water resources, including full funding for Everglades restoration and the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir. The final budget includes a total of $645 million for Everglades restoration projects. These investments are critical to improving water quality, restoring natural water flow, and protecting the Everglades for future generations. 

The bad news: The final budget includes no funding for Florida Forever, the state’s premier land conservation program responsible for protecting future state parks, state forests, wildlife habitat, and critical water resources. Even worse, the budget sweeps existing Florida Forever funds into the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). 

Audubon is deeply alarmed by this outcome, and we thank our members and supporters who made their voices heard throughout budget negotiations.

Concerning State Bills

Several bills that passed raised concerns about the longterm protection of conservation lands and water quality. One of the most notable, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill, included provisions that could allow certain conservation land acquired after 2023 to be evaluated for agricultural use and potentially sold, shifting them out of permanent public ownership and into easements. While safeguards were added to protect lands needed for Everglades restoration, the broader policy raises questions about the future integrity of Florida’s conservation framework.

Other measures focused on accelerating development and streamlining permitting processes. Legislation affecting local land planning and development shortens review timelines and expands the use of private contractors in permitting decisions, reducing the time available for local governments to evaluate environmental impacts. Similarly, changes to septic system permitting could allow construction to move forward before full environmental review is complete, increasing the risk of nutrient pollution to groundwater and waterways.

Growth management legislation further limited local government authority in land-use decisions, raising concerns about the ability of communities to address infrastructure capacity, habitat protection, and environmental constraints as development continues. While some of the most far-reaching proposals, such as efforts to override local protections for rural and environmentally sensitive areas, were ultimately defeated, the broader trend toward faster approvals and reduced oversight remains a concern.

Positive Bills Passed

Despite these challenges, the session also produced meaningful progress. Legislation was passed to increase transparency in conservation land transactions. New restrictions on the land application of lower-treated biosolids represent another step forward in protecting water quality and reducing pollution risks.

Article originally appeared in the Spring State of the Everglades Report. See full report here.