End of Session Wrap Up

March 14th marks the last day of Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session. The Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) is grateful to all who took action with us to fight for conservation, sustainability, water, and wildlife.

With your support, the poorly conceived seagrass mitigation bill died. This is a significant victory in our efforts to prevent the destruction of vital seagrass beds.

The legislature continues to ignore the will of Florida voters by not fully funding Florida Forever and we still have unfinished business to breach the Rodman Dam and restore the Ocklawaha River. That said, $100 million was provided for Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands program will receive $300 million. Our advocacy will continue.

Regarding the misguided Everglades bill (Senate Bill 2508) that stymies years of progress made on restoration and halting harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee, FWF testified in opposition before the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill has been made somewhat better, but we remain committed to protecting our public water resources from this industry-backed move and truly appreciate the nearly 1,000 members and supporters who voiced their opposition to this legislation.

The legislature has also sent House Bill 741 (HB 741) to Governor DeSantis’ desk. This utility-backed anti-solar bill would cripple the industry and kill thousands of jobs. We ask our supporters to call Gov. DeSantis and tell him to veto this bill and stand for energy independence and solar jobs.

Thank you, again, to all our supporters and members for your advocacy.