Governor Ron DeSantis recently highlighted Everglades restoration, announcing updates on Florida’s efforts to restore the Everglades and enhance the supply and quality of the state’s water resources with key budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
The Governor also highlighted Florida’s commitment to work with the incoming Trump Administration to accelerate the completion of critical Everglades restoration projects by garnering authority over the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in an effort designed to save both time and taxpayer dollars.
“I’m proud to keep advancing these efforts in Everglades restoration and water quality, which will have lasting benefits to our state for years to come,” said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “I promised to leave Florida better than we found it, and we’re keeping that promise for future generations.”
“Floridians understand the Everglades better than anyone else. We live, work and recreate here, and we are committed to the land that sustains this,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Florida has the experience, urgency and determination to get the job done. We have proven our ability to manage restoration projects efficiently.”
Since 2019, Florida has made historic progress in restoring the Everglades and improving water management. Water storage capacity has tripled under Governor DeSantis’ tenure, increasing from 57.1 billion gallons to 176.1 billion gallons with the opening of the C-43 Reservoir this year. New projects are currently underway to boost that capacity to over 330 billion gallons. These efforts reduce harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries and cut nutrient pollution in South Florida’s waterways, protecting drinking water and the Everglades.
Major projects, like Old Tamiami Trail Roadbed, have measured water flow southward by 63%. The EAA Reservoir alone will store 240,000 acre-feet of water and provide clean water to the Everglades. Despite delays from federal agencies, Florida continues to lead with state projects that improve water quality, protect communities from flooding, and restore the natural flow of water to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay, which recently met its salinity goals for the first time in decades.
By seeking greater state control of CERP projects and the restoration of state permitting authority under the Clean Water Act, Florida aims to eliminate federal delays and accelerate progress. Despite setbacks under the Biden Administration, Florida has led the way in completing major projects ahead of schedule, including doubling water flow into Everglades National Park and constructing critical stormwater treatment areas at half the cost of federal initiatives.
The Governor committed to recommending $805M for everglades restoration in Fiscal Year 2025-26. This funding includes over $670 million for CERP and another $130 million for other projects to support Everglades restoration and water quality improvements.
In 2019, Governor DeSantis called for $2.5 billion to be invested over four years for Everglades restoration and water quality. The Governor surpassed that goal by securing over $3.3 billion during his first term. In 2023, Governor DeSantis reinforced his commitment in his second term by calling for a historic $3.5 billion investment for Everglades restoration and protection of water resources, bringing the state’s total cumulative dollar amount obtained to $6.5 billion since the Governor took office.
Governor Ron DeSantis has often highlighted his commitment to Everglades restoration, positioning it as a pivotal part of his environmental agenda. However, closer scrutiny of his policies and actions reveals several contradictions, particularly in his approach to land use development and water management.
One of the major contradictions lies in the stripping of control from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) over land-use permitting. This move has effectively reduced the oversight on developments that impact wetlands, challenging the very essence of natural restoration efforts. Diminished control has led to increased development in critical areas, resulting in significant environmental consequences.
A striking example of this is the Cypress Creek Watershed. Developments such as the Connerton and Connected City projects have not only disrupted the natural landscape but also led to unprecedented flooding in surrounding areas. These projects underscore the tension between developmental ambitions and environmental sustainability, casting doubt on the efficacy of DeSantis’ restoration claims.
Adding to the complexity is the role of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). While the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERT) are working towards restoring the Everglades, SWFWMD’s water restrictions and permitting decisions seem to counteract these efforts. The SWFWMD has allowed developments that negatively impact wetland areas and contribute to flooding, which is contrary to the goals of Everglades restoration.
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERT) has seen measurable success during DeSantis’ tenure. Nevertheless, it is important to note that these successes are not solely attributable to his control. The CERT program has been a collaborative effort spanning multiple administrations, agencies, and stakeholders. Its achievements reflect a broader commitment beyond any single leadership.
While Governor DeSantis’ emphasis on Everglades restoration is commendable, the contradictions in his policies present a complex picture. The reduction of environmental oversight, particularly in wetland areas, raises fundamental questions about the long-term viability of restoration efforts. Balancing development with ecological preservation remains a critical challenge, and only through comprehensive and consistent strategies can genuine progress be achieved in protecting Florida’s invaluable natural resources.