Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed House Bill 1379, which enhances protections for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), expands the existing wastewater grant program, strengthens Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), improves local government long-term comprehensive planning and creates dedicated funding for the state’s land conservation efforts.
The bill advances the agenda DeSantis set forth in Executive Order 23-06, which improves environmental protections while bettering Floridians’ lives.
“Four years ago, I laid out a bold agenda for the protection of Florida’s natural resources and we not only met our ambitious goals — we greatly exceeded them,” said DeSantis in a media release. “In Florida, our natural resources are the foundation of our way of life and a large driver of the economy. With this legislation, we are building on the progress we have made in water quality protection and land conservation, ensuring that we leave Florida better to God than we found it for future generations.”
“We have made historic strides in environmental protection, water quality and land conservation under the leadership of Gov. DeSantis and with the support of the Florida legislature,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “This legislation will allow us to further expedite and advance these efforts.”
“With the signing of House Bill 1379, Gov. DeSantis is both renewing and expanding upon his commitment to protecting and restoring our water quality statewide, with a much-needed focus on some of our most at-risk waters in the Everglades and the Indian River Lagoon,” said Chief Science Officer Mark Rains. “This legislation directs strategic action to address nutrient sources and expedite restoration.”
HB 1379 enacts comprehensive protections for Florida’s environment, including:
This bill also dedicates $100 million annually for the Florida Forever Program, which is Florida’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program.
