Florida lawmakers moved one step closer toward passing the state budget, scheduled for a vote later this week.
The $115 billion budget includes $514 million for Everglades restoration projects, which Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) prioritized so much that he threatened to veto the spending plan if it didn’t allocate enough money for the environmental work.
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The Florida House budget chief said he believes the amount is enough for the projects.
Over $500 million “is well above the statutory minimum, and it is a lot of money and should continue the [Everglades restoration] efforts,” Republican state House member Lawrence McClure said.
The governor’s proposed budget this year included $1.4 billion for Everglades restoration, according to an April 13 press release from his office. Since taking office in 2019, DeSantis has committed roughly $8 billion to Everglades water-quality and ecosystem projects.
Leaders in both chambers of the state legislature reached the budget deal late Sunday after an extended special session. The state budget was previously delayed because legislators couldn’t reach an agreement before the regular session ended in March.
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The measure heads for a Friday vote before it gets sent to the governor’s desk for approval.
The $115 billion spending plan will take effect on July 1 for the upcoming fiscal year. The total number is less than the Florida Senate’s preferred budget but more than the Florida House’s budget.
