Florida Forever was once the largest conservation land acquisition program of its kind in the United States, boasting a budget of $300 million per year. Funded by real estate documentary fees, the source of this funding declined during the Great Recession. As Florida’s economy rebounded, however, Florida Forever full funding was never restored.

In 2014, 75% of Floridians voted in favor of Amendment 1 to the state constitution, which mandates that Florida Forever be fully funded for a period of 20 years. Though this 20-year period began in 2015, the State Legislature has yet to allocate the funding that its constituents demanded in order to preserve and restore the lands and waters that make our state so special.

Florida’s environment is the lifeblood of its economy. As 1,000 new residents make their home in Florida every day—and as sea levels rise every year—our environment is at risk. To protect our wallets, waters, and wildlife, we need our elected officials to provide full funding to Florida Forever this Legislative Session and each year hereafter.