Environment

Florida’s 2026-27 budget slashes environmental funding by nearly 40% from 2022 levels

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s budget is being cut to $2.45 billion, a reduction of roughly 40% compared to 2022 funding levels, according to an analysis by the Florida Springs Council. For the first time in over a decade, the Florida Forever land conservation program received no new funding despite a state law requiring at least $100 million annually, while $225 million from the Florida Wildlife Corridor fund is being redirected to agricultural easements. The budget was finalized during a Special Session over Memorial Day weekend with a single committee meeting held late Sunday night and no public comment accepted.

Sources: The Gainesville Iguana