Florida’s annual legislative session begins January 9, 2018. This year Audubon is focusing on securing vital conservation funding and stopping bad legislation from becoming law. Lawmakers will be eager to make their mark on Florida as all members in the Florida House of Representatives and half of the Florida Senate are up for reelection.
Audubon’s priorities before the Florida Legislature include:
Land Conservation Funding
Audubon supports agency budget requests for Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program that recommend strong funding for land acquisition and conservation easements. Audubon is seeking $150 million for land conservation.
Everglades Funding
With the successful passage of the Legacy Florida Act in 2016 and Senate Bill 10 in 2017, we must continue to follow through on commitments to America’s Everglades. Audubon supports the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s legislative budget request that seeks $305.8 million in Everglades funding— the largest single request ever by the agency.
Springs Funding
Funds appropriated by the Florida Legislature can be combined with other funding sources to increase the investments to Florida’s Springs that advance projects and programs to improve water quality and increase freshwater flows. Audubon is seeking $50 million for Florida’s Springs.
Other Issues
Audubon is seeking $5 million for Lake Apopka Restoration.
Audubon counts on its action network to influence lawmakers. To help advance Audubon Florida’s conservation work you can:
- Get Involved: FL.Audubon.org/GetInvolved
- Support our Work: GiveToAudubonFlorida.org
- Join our Action Network to Stay informed: FL.Audubon.org/SignUp
