Ron DeSantis’s Freedom First budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 reaffirms the Republican Governor’s commitment to the high-priority of Florida conservation, including red tide research and manatee rescue. The Freedom First budget is now before the Florida legislature for approval.
Of the $53.55 million total package for conservation, the Governor recommends $17.5 million to additional wildlife-enforcement officers, equipment and operations. Other conservation highlights of the DeSantis Freedom First budget include:
- $3.8 million for manatee care, rescue and mortality response
- $750,000 for coral reef recovery
- $3.2 million for land additions and a land-use planning program
- $3 million for restoration of lakes, rivers and springs
- $4 million for expanding mechanical control for invasive plant management
- $7.2 million for increased boating access and safety
- $9.9 million to combat invasive species
- $4.2 million for continued red tide research
