Everglades Foundation Statement on Florida Legislature Passing FY26-27 Budget with $638 Million for Everglades Restoration

May 29, 2026

Palmetto Bay, Fla. – The Everglades Foundation today released the following statement, attributed to its Vice President of Government Affairs Bradley Watson, regarding the Florida Legislature passing its fiscal year 2026-27 budget with $638 million for restoring the Everglades, including the funding needed to complete the state’s portion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir.

“This budget will continue to move Everglades restoration forward, investing $638 million in the Everglades, a critical $1 trillion asset.

“This funding for Everglades restoration also includes the state’s portion of the EAA Reservoir, the crown jewel of Everglades restoration, helping to deliver this central piece of restoration five years ahead of schedule.

“Thank you to Florida legislators, including Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, along with appropriations chairs in both chambers, for creating a budget that invests in America’s Everglades. There is no other place like it in the world.

“I also want to recognize Governor Ron DeSantis for his leadership on restoration. With the passage of this budget, he has fulfilled the promises he made in two separate executive orders at the beginning of each of his terms. Governor DeSantis has exceeded historical funding levels and set records with billions invested in Everglades restoration and water quality projects over his two terms.”

Want to learn more?

You’re in the right place. For more than 30 years, The Everglades Foundation has been the premier organization fighting to restore and protect the precious Everglades ecosystem through science, advocacy, and education.

Join the movement to restore and protect the global treasure that is America’s Everglades. Sign up to learn more. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Give a gift of any amount you can to support our mission at EvergladesFoundation.org/Donate.