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May 11
Final Budget
Good Bills That Passed
Bills That Died
Weakened Biosolids Bill Heads to the Governor
Bill to Reduce Local Community Power Sent to Governor
Additional Concern Over Power of Local Communities to Govern Themselves
Smart Growth Challenged
Moving Forward
May 6
Final Budget
Budget Highlights
Concerning Bills Headed to the Governor for Signature
Governor Signs SB 1604 into Law
April 27
Final Budget Negotiations
Brevard Barrier Island Area of Critical State Concern Nears Finish Line
Natural Disaster Relief Bill May Hamper Land Planning Best Practices
Saltwater Intrusion Vulnerability Assessments
House and Key Committee Approve Bills That Tackle Wastewater, Land Acquisition, Permitting
Land Acquisition Measure Makes It Through the House
Growth Bill Passes
April 22
Bill to Support Apalachicola Bay
HB 1379 Addresses Water Quality, Land Acquisition
Protections in Biosolids Bill Stripped from the Legislation
Designation of Brevard Barrier Area of Critical State Concern
HB 111 Tackles Flooding from Climate Change
Land Acquisition Remains a Legislative Focus
Sprawl Bill Advances Despite Environmental Concerns
April 15
Everglades Protection Area Bill Passes Senate with Unanimous Support
Amendment That Would Threaten Everglades Restoration Withdrawn
Concerning Sprawl Bill Moves Forward
Biosolids Bill Not Improved, Moves Forward
HB 7047 Would Change Land Acquisition, But Lacks Senate Companion Bill
Sea Level Rise Impact Projection Study Bill
Bill to Improve Water Quality Passes through Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee
SB 7002 Tackles Septic Tanks to Improve Water Quality
April 8
New Investment in Long-distance, Non-motorized Trails
Septic Tank Improvements from the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee
Dredging and Development Bills Move Forward
Everglades Protection Bill Progressing with Audubon Support
April 1
Last-Minute Amendment Jeopardizes Everglades Restoration
Designation of Brevard Barrier Island Area as an Area of Critical State Concern
Reducing Pollution, Improving Water Quality
Biosolids Bill Still Needs More Improvements
Everglades, Conservation, and Rules in the House Agriculture, Conservation and Resiliency Subcommittee
March 24
Florida House and Senate Announce Proposed Budgets
A Busy Week in the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Biosolids Bill Moves Forward, But Needs More Improvements
Sea Level Rise in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee
Everglades Restoration Groundbreaking
March 18
Biosolids Bill is a Start but Needs Improvements
Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Hears Bills on Surface Water, Sea Level Rise, Saltwater Intrusion, and More
Expansion of the Clean Waterways Act Grant Program
In 2021, the Everglades Experienced its Second-highest Nesting Effort for Many Wading Bird Species in 80 Years
March 11
Land and Water Funding
Everglades Protection on the Agenda
Growth Management Bills Prompt Concern
Mangrove Restoration Bill Passes Committee
Funding for the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund
Audubon Staff Fly In to Washington, DC
Audubon Supporters Protect Conservation Lands in Collier County
February 24
EAA Reservoir Groundbreaking Marks Critical Moment in Everglades Restoration
Clean Waterways Act Updates from DEP
Department of Agriculture Requests Big Bucks for Agricultural Easements, Water Quality Programs, and Staff Raises
Additional Presentations in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee Highlight Indian River Lagoon
Water Management Districts Aim to Clean, Store, and Conserve Water
More Funding for Florida's SUN Trail Program
Wastewater Grants and Resilient Florida Program Take Center Stage in the Senate Select Committee on Resiliency
Hurricane Recovery and Resilience
February 19
Audubon Florida Concerned that the USFWS Proposes Removal of Wood Stork from Endangered Species Act Protection
Water Updates Come from DEP
Invasive Species and the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection: Updates in the Agriculture, Conservation & Resiliency Subcommittee
Two Programs to Improve Florida's Climate Resilience
Governor's Proposed Budget Includes More than $1 Billion for the Environment
FDOT Promises Collaboration and Considerations of Environmental Impacts
February 11
Audubon Joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland for Tour of the Everglades
Highlights from Governor DeSantis’ Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
New Bike Paths Coming to Florida?
Florida Springs Need More Support
Affordable Housing Updates in Senate Community Affairs Committee
Protecting Communities from Storm Impacts
January 27
Florida Saves More Water
Land Conservation Moves Ahead
Is Florida Ready for the Next Storm?
Committees Hear Water Quality Program and Legislation Updates
Everglades Restoration Sees Banner Week
January 7, 2023
Do You Know Your Elected Leaders?
House and Senate Natural Resource Committees Start Off with Introductions, Mission Scope, and Agency Briefings
The Everglades are Changing - Are You Up to Date?
March 12, 2022
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Governor DeSantis Must Veto Rooftop Solar Bill
Florida State Budget
SB 2508 Could Drastically Change Florida's Conservation Programs
Troubling Fertilizer Bill Narrowed Before Heading to Governor for Signature
Grease Disposal Bill Will Improve Water Quality
Stormwater Bill Improved Before Moving Through House and Senate
Pesticide Bill Moves Forward
Preemption Bill Improved But Still Privileges Business Profits Over Home Rule
Annual Report on the Impact of Sea-level Rise and Flood Resiliency Will Be Required
Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Plan
Inventories of Critical Wetlands
March 5, 2022
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Rooftop Solar Bill Advances in House and Senate
Budget Negotiations Begin
Audubon Continues Efforts Improve Stormwater Bill, Reduce Potential for Pollution "Hotspots"
USFWS Presses Pause on Panther Relocation
February 25, 2022
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Rooftop Solar Bill Advances Despite Vocal Opposition, Threat to Climate Resiliency in Florida
Changes to Rural and Family Lands Program Threatens Future of Florida Land Conservation
Audubon Continues to Work to Improve Stormwater Bill, Reduce Potential for Pollution "Hotspots"
New Federal Bill Would Reauthorize Research and Monitoring Program for South Florida
February 19, 2022
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Problematic Bill Improved for Everglades Restoration, Concerns Remain for the Rural and Family Lands Program
Stormwater Treatment Area Bill Could Allow Creation of Pollution “Hotspots”
Gopher Tortoise Legislation Poses Problems
Key Water and Resiliency Bills Pass Final Committees
Groundbreaking on C-23/24 Stormwater Treatment Area Will Improve Water Quality in St. Lucie Estuary
Scott Water Farm Project Critical Component of Improving Health of the St. Lucie Estuary
February 12, 2022
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Late-breaking Bill Sparks Vocal Opposition from Everglades and Land Conservation Advocates
Bill Would Create Less Rigorous Competitor to Florida Forever, Reduce Transparency and Accountability in Rural and Family Lands Program
Amendment Narrows Risky Proposal to Expand Agricultural Fertilizer Use
Amendments Improve Net Metering Bill But Still Pose Grave Threat to Future of Rooftop Solar
Refining the Golf Course Fertilizer BMP Program
Limiting the Ability of Communities to Evaluate Legacy Agricultural Contaminants in Neighborhoods
February 5, 2022
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Proposed Florida House and Senate Budgets
Damaging Rooftop Solar Bill Still Moving Forward, But With Helpful Amendment
Large Private Stormwater Treatment Bill Passes Committee Hurdle
Critical Bill Would Create Energy Equity Task Force
Solar Panels Could Come to Brownfield Sites
Sea-level Rise and Flood Resiliency Legislation Takes Another Step Towards a Vote
Improved Sanitary Sewer Pipes Could Improve Water Quality
January 29, 2022
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Bill Expands Areas That Need Sea-Level Impact Projection Studies
Bill Aims to Keep Harmful Oils and Fats from Florida's Sewers
Best Management Practices Program for Golf Courses to Reduce Nutrient Runoff
Everglades Protection Area Would Create New Review for Construction Near the Everglades
Florida State Parks Update Showcases Importance of these Landscapes for Environment and Economy
Conservation Success in Collier County
January 22, 2022
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An Unprecedented Investment in Everglades Restoration and a Giant Step Forward in Climate Resiliency
Harmful Fertilizer Bill Advances Again
Harmful Seagrass Bill Advances Over Concerns of Conservation Community
Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan Update
January 15, 2022
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Net Metering Bill Advances, Despite Harm It Would Cause to Rooftop Solar Growth in Florida
Fertilizer Bill Advances Through Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Worrisome Damages Bill Could Decimate Local Governments
Wetlands Bill Would Catalog List of Properties for Acquisition
Audubon Supports Bill That Would Lead to Better Sea Level Rise Planning
Florida Scrub-Jay Advocates Speak in Favor of Restoration in Brevard County
December 4, 2021
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Embattled Seagrass Mitigation Bill Passes House Environment, Agriculture & Flooding Subcommittee
Net Metering Legislation Could Pour Cold Water on Florida's Solar Economy
Water and Pollution Legislation Heard in Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee
Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project Update Does Not Quell Water Storage Concerns
12,000-acre Everglades Restoration Project Complete
November 20, 2021
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Governor DeSantis Announces Environmental Appropriation Priorities
Florida Department of Transportation Begins New Study of Possible Northern Turnpike Extension
Army Corps of Engineers Releases Final LOSOM Model
The Ocklawaha Survey Results Are In!
Oil Drilling Permit Near Big Cypress Denied Over Environmental Concerns
2020 Wading Bird Study Reveals Mixed Success for Iconic Florida Species
Audubon Florida Climate and Energy News Roundup
November 6, 2021
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Projects Worth $437 Million in the Pipeline for Acquisition under Florida Forever, Wastewater Grant Program Begins
Bill Allowing Local Governments to Ban Smoking Moves to Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee
Homeowners' Quality Improvements Could Now Include Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Stormwater Rulemaking Technical Advisory Committee Submits Final Recommendations to DEP
Collier County Proposal to Expand Mosquito Spraying Threatens Western Everglades and its Food Web
City of Key West Unanimously Passed a Resolution Calling for a Denial of Urban Expansion
Climate and Energy News Roundup
October 15, 2021
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We Need Your Voice! It's Time to Restore the Ocklawaha River
Public Comment Opens for Beach-nesting Bird Guidelines
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee Discusses Coral Reef Disease, Red Tide, and More
Committees Meet on Florida Forever and Water Rules
Audubon Florida Continues to Advocate for Best Lake Okeechobee Management Plan
EagleWatch Annual Report is Here
Audubon Florida Climate and Energy News Roundup
September 24, 2021
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Legislative Committees and Leadership
Committee Meetings Begin with a Budget Bang
Pop Quiz: You May Be a Legislative Super Influencer
Nearly 20,000 Acres Conserved Under Florida Forever Program
Fall Edition of the Naturalist is Here!
Audubon Florida Climate and Energy News Roundup
May 8, 2021
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2021 Florida Legislative Session Recap
Budget Delivers High Levels of Environmental Funding
New Water Legislation
Wins for Habitat Conservation
Energy Legislation
Climate and Resiliency Become Important Session Theme
Troubling Bills That Did Not Make It Through
Audubon Remains Concerned with New Farming Litigation and Growth Management Bill
May 1, 2021
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$101 Billion Budget Proposed for Florida, Including $419 Million for Everglades, $400 Million for Florida Forever, $75 Million for Springs, and More
Total Appropriations for Environmental Priorities
Agriculture and Water Bills Head to Governor DeSantis
Pirate Sand & Fill Mines Slammed by Legislature and Lake County Commission
April 24, 2021
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Combined $400 Million Proposed for Land Conservation
New Agreement Pushes EAA Reservoir Forward
Senator Rubio Co-Sponsors Growing Climate Solutions Act
Farming Operations Bill SB88 sent to Governor DeSantis
Collier County and Army Corps Propose to Armor Coast at Expense of Beaches, Mangroves, and Seagrass
April 17, 2021
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Resiliency and Taxation Relief for Homeowners
Little Wekiva River and Florida Wildlife Corridor
Fourteen Jurisdictions in Southwest Florida Join the Regional Resiliency Compact
Property Tax Breaks May Diminish Funding Available for Conservation Purposes
Reducing Transparency in Government Oversight of Utilities
April 10, 2021
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Statewide Resiliency Plans May Soon be a Reality - Florida House’s “Always Ready Flooding and Sea Level Rise Agenda” is on the Governor’s Desk
Lake Okeechobee Watershed
Promising Bills Move Through Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government
Florida Forever Needs More Funding
Southwest Compact Takes Another Stride Forward
Paul Gray Wins U.S. Fish and Wildlife Award
April 3, 2021
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Big Cypress Basin Management Changes
Reclaimed Water Bill Moves through Committees
Blue-Green Algae Task Force Recommendations Bill
Farming Bill Changes May be Too Broad
Tamiami Roadbed Removal Celebrated
March 27, 2021
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State Appropriations Update
Resilient Florida Program Funding
New M-CORES Amendment Strengthens Environmental Protections for Future Road Projects
Two Energy Bills Move Forward
Concerning Seagrass Bill Passes Subcommittee
Stop Destruction of Nesting Bird Habitat
March 19, 2021
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Update on M-CORES Legislation
Senate President Priorities Move Forward
Energy Preemption Bill Sees Improvement
South Florida Water Management District Approves Curtain Wall
Major Steps Forward in Climate Resiliency
Extending Florida Forever
March 13, 2021
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Senate Transportation Committee Action
Fast-moving Bills
Walton County's Proposed 2040 Mobility Plan Threatens Conservation Lands
Deepwater Horizon Gulf Restoration Proposes to Pave Imperiled Bird Nesting Sites in National Seashore
Addressing the Effects of Rising Sea Levels Due to Climate Change
Where is the Central Florida Water Initiative Rule?
Florida Climate and Energy News Roundup
March 6, 2021
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Florida Delegation Lobbies Biden Administration for Everglades Restoration Funding
Two Water Bills Pass Committee Hurdles
Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Hears Water and M-CORES Issues
Two Coastal Resiliency Bills Highlight New Climate Change Concerns
Energy Preemption Bill Scope is Narrowed but May Still Have Unintended Consequences
February 20, 2021
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Senate President Wilton Simpson Clarifies His Position on M-CORES
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Commits to Big Everglades Restoration Investment
New Law Could Reduce Barriers to Solar Siting
FWC Explains Invasive Species Management
Subcommittee Discusses Coastal Resiliency and Red Tide
February 13, 2021
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Everglades Health Takes One Step Forward and One Step Back
Committee Meeting Underscores Importance of Resilience Planning
Land Conservation Budget Needs a Bump
Audubon Congratulates St. Johns County on Restarting Their Land Acquisition and Management Program
We Need Your Voice As The FWC Updates Invasive Species Rules
February 6, 2021
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Legislature Grapples with Future of M-CORES
Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Hears Water Updates
Funding News for Environmental Programs
Elected Officials Listen to Ideas for Boosting Coastal Resilience
The PSC Approves Solar Projects and Prepares for Rate Case Hearings
Concerning Growth Management Bill Clears Administrative Hurdle
New Bills Filed This Week to Expand Solar Opportunities
This Week's Climate News
January 30, 2021
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Governor DeSantis Releases Proposed Budget with $1 Billion for Climate Change
Mixed Bag: Committee Action Sees Bills on Dairy Pollution, Regional Planning Councils and Litter Reduction Advance
Bills Filed Reflect New Priority on Renewable Energy
Wastewater Conservation and Reuse Bills Filed
Concerning Growth Management Bill Reappears
Audubon, the East Central Florida Regional Resilience Collaborative, and More Launch Partnership to Fight Climate Change, Save Taxpayer Dollars, and Train Future Environmental Professionals
January 16, 2021
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We're Back with the First Advocate of the 2021 Session!
Senate Natural Resource Committees Start Off with Briefings, Agency Introductions
Legislature May Pull the Plug on M-CORES
Public Service Commission Hosts Energy Efficiency Rule Revision Workshop
Coronavirus Causes Major Budget Uncertainty
Pop Quiz: You May Be a Legislative Super Influencer
Newest Edition of the Naturalist is Out!
March 20, 2020
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Wrapping up the 2020 Legislative Session
Conservation Appropriations
We Celebrate Water and Climate Bills That Made it Over the Finish Line
Important Environmental Protection Amendment on Agriculture Bill to Benefit Green Swamp
DOT M-Cores Process Extended, Meetings Postponed
Improved Management of Rodman Reservoir Could Benefit Upstream Forests
March 13, 2020
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Important Water Bill Passes
Climate Win Requires Sea Level Rise Impact Studies for State-financed Construction
Appropriations Negotiations Continue
Audubon Florida Begins Chapter Climate Trainings
M-CORES Update
Act by March 16 to Ensure the Everglades and Florida Bay Benefit from the COP
COVID-19
March 6, 2020
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Water Bills Address Pollution and Fines
Appropriations
Senators Rubio and Scott Team Up to Expand Moratorium on Gulf of Mexico Drilling
State Resumes Misguided Move to Assume Federal Water Permitting
A Solar Victory!
February 28, 2020
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Help Ensure the Everglades and Florida Bay Benefit from the COP
Appropriations for Florida Forever and Rural Family Lands Protection Program
Fireworks update
Florida on Cusp of Solar Victory or Missed Opportunity: Stay Tuned March 3
Water Quality and Environmental Enforcement
Restoring the Ocklawaha River
February 21, 2020
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Water
Climate Bills Move Ahead
M-CORES Update
Town of Fort Myers Beach Protects Critical Wildlife Area - Again!
Audubon Florida Launches New Climate Initiative with Local Chapters
February 14, 2020
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Audubon Attends Everglades Action Day
Water: Civil Penalties, Septic Tanks, Wastewater
Climate: Renewable Energy, Sea-Level Impact Projections, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Budget: Environment, Conservation Easements, State Parks
February 7, 2020
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Great News for Protecting Florida's Special Places
Climate Adaptation Bill Moves at a Steady Pace
Growth Management
Water
Appropriations
Upcoming M-CORES Meetings
January 31, 2020
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Water
Everglades Protection
Climate Adaptation
Appropriations
January 24, 2020
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Climate Adaptation
Climate Mitigation
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Water
Moving Miami-Dade County's Comprehensive Development Master Plan in the Right Direction
M-CORES Update
Appropriations
Winter Naturalist Magazine
January 17, 2020
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State Announces Everglades Acquisition to Head Off Drilling Threat
35th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference Calls for All Hands On Deck
Join Everglades Action Day February 10 & 11!
Clam Pass Parking Garage Proposal Denied
Bill to Expand Access to Personal Fireworks Amended
Flagler County Wetlands Restoration Update
Misleading Energy Deregulation Ballot Proposal Tossed Out by Supreme Court
Resilience and Climate Change Issues to Watch
Focus on Florida Forever
The Governor's Agenda
December 13, 2019
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Fireworks Bill Advances in Both Chambers, as Audubon Works to Limit Impacts
Comprehensive Water Legislation Being Considered by Florida Senate
Updates on Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES)
Senior U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Rejects Florida's Apalachicola Water Arguments
State of the Everglades Report
November 8, 2019
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Bills to Fight Florida’s Water Woes Begin to Move in Legislature
Bill to Expand Access to Personal Fireworks Clears First Committees Despite Concerns for Veterans, Pets, Special Needs Individuals, and Wildlife
Celebrating the Opening of the C-44 Reservoir
M-CORES Toll Roads Task Forces Raise Important Questions About Need, Financial Feasibility
U.S. Rep. Castor & Audubon Florida Sound Alarm on the Climate Crisis’ Impact on North American Birds
Take Action! Model Ordinance Toolkit Update
Audubon Florida and South Florida Breweries Launch the Everglades Brewers Council
October 18, 2019
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Governor Announces Legislation to Expedite Water Quality Improvements
Florida Senate Holds Committee Meeting on Sea Level Rise and Climate Change
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Presents their Proposed Budget
Miami-Dade County Votes for Clean Buses
Audubon Florida Offers Model Ordinance Toolkit to Inspire Local Change
New Audubon Report Details Risks of Climate Change Extinction
Audubon Staff Report Red Tide
Florida Department of Transportation Presents Committee with M-CORES Progress
September 16, 2019
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Planning for New Turnpikes Begins
Looking Ahead to Fall Legislative Committees
Summer of Successes for Florida Forever
Audubon Florida Defends Endangered Species
They Heard You! The U.S. House Passes Bills to Protect Coasts from Oil and Gas Spilling
Have You Seen the New Naturalist?
