The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the 2024-25 state budget on June 12, almost three and half months after the legislative session ended with the passage of a $117.4 billion budget.

He vetoed $950 million of the proposed $117.4 billion for a final total post-veto budget of $116.5 billion. The SCCF reported that environmental funding fared well, with over $975 million directed to environmental projects, including:

– $740 million for Everglades Restoration

– $100 million each in recurring funds for Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands — land acquisition programs

– $10.8 million for the Blue/Green Algae Task Force

– $25 million to Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School to identify, analyze and determine root causes of impaired water bodies

The SCCF noted that despite the budget being signed, the 2024 legislative process continues as the DeSantis still has to address about 50 bills — out of the 291 total passed by the Legislature — before the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1. He can sign, veto or allow a bill to become law without his action in the timeframe between the end of session and July 1.

Once the final bills are signed or vetoed, the SCCF will evaluate the final outcomes from the session and how they impact the health and the economics of the coastal environment.