Florida lawmakers have reached an agreement on a $115 billion budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, marking a $1.5 billion reduction from the current budget and $500 million less than Governor Ron DeSantis’ initial proposal.
After months of contentious negotiations, the agreement includes a key allocation for Biscayne Bay, an essential ecosystem facing significant environmental challenges.
Funding discussions centered around DeSantis’ proposal for $20 million dedicated to wastewater and stormwater projects designed to improve water quality and restore coral reefs in the Biscayne Bay area.
House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami), who represents a district adjacent to the bay, expressed support for the funding.
In contrast, Senate President Ben Albritton was hesitant to incorporate the funding into the Senate’s budget due to uncertainty about financial sources.
However, in a positive turn for Biscayne Bay advocates, it was reported that both chambers have agreed to the full $20 million allotment in this year’s budget, with formal voting set to occur later this week.
This proposed budget not only fulfills the promise to restore funding for Biscayne Bay but also continues a consecutive six-year funding streak for this critical environmental initiative.
Historically, the state has committed billions to improve water quality in Biscayne Bay, which has suffered from pollution, harmful algal blooms, and fish mortality.
Research indicates that water quality issues are primarily the result of factors such as urban proximity to the Miami Metropolitan area and agricultural practices that introduce harmful nutrients, pesticides, and agrochemicals into the ecosystem.
Additionally, the bay has faced pollution from freshwater sources contaminated through a network of canals and tributaries over the last fifty years.
This human activity, including septic tank runoff and fertilizer use, has adversely impacted marine life and habitats, necessitating urgent action.
The new funding is expected to accelerate restoration efforts for the bay’s coral reefs, which have been severely affected by climate change, with many marine species now declining precipitously.
In a collaborative effort to bolster conservation, Miami-Dade County initiated the Biscayne Bay Specialty License Plate program, which channels proceeds towards the preservation of the bay.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced in March 2025 that the program has successfully reached over 3,000 registrations, a threshold needed to move forward with production.
“This specialty license plate will generate critical funding to protect Biscayne Bay, which is the blue heart of Miami-Dade County and an economic powerhouse that contributes $64 billion of economic output annually,” Levine Cava stated.
“As residents, advocates, and industry stakeholders unite to safeguard this vital resource, we extend our gratitude to the leadership of Senator Garcia and Representative Duran for their role in bringing this initiative to fruition.”
For several years, DeSantis and state lawmakers have made the restoration of Biscayne Bay a priority, allocating $52 million through 2022 and an additional $40 million in subsequent years through two $20 million disbursements in 2023 and 2024.
The approved budget is set to take effect on July 1, continuing the state’s commitment to enhancing the health of Biscayne Bay and its surrounding environment.
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