Funding

Who is paying for Everglades Restoration?

Florida is paying the full cost of water quality improvements required by the State under the Everglades Forever Act (EFA) and 50 percent of the cost to implement the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), with the federal government paying the other half. To date, Florida has invested $1.8 billion to improve water quality under the Everglades Forever Act.

An agriculture privilege tax levied on landowners in the Everglades Agricultural Area was established in the 1994 Everglades Forever Act and generates approximately $13.1 million annually for Everglades cleanup.

A one-tenth of a mil ad valorem tax on landowners, including farmers, in the Okeechobee Basin generates approximately $37.1 million annually for the Everglades Restoration.

Additionally, since 2000, Florida has invested $2 billion to implement the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, while the federal government has invested $300 million.

What is the difference between funding for the EFA and funding for the CERP?

The EFA water quality improvements funding is the sole responsibility of Florida.  To date, Florida has invested $1.8 billion to clean up pollution in the Everglades.

Under the 50-50 state federal partnership for the CERP, Florida is responsible for 50 percent of the cost to implement the $10.9 billion, multi-decade plan. The federal government is responsible for paying the other half. To date, Florida has invested over $2 billion to implement CERP.

Over seven years, the State of Florida will spend approximately $1.8 billion on Acceler8 – where Florida is speeding up funding, design and construction to complete eight Everglades restoration projects (14 components).

How much will it cost to implement the Long-Term Plan?

The Long-Term Plan is estimated to cost $749.8 million to implement. Funds will be used to develop and implement new advanced technologies as they are developed.

Who is paying for Lake Okeechobee Restoration?

Since 2000, the Florida legislature has provided approximately $140 million towards implementation of the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act (LOPA) and Lake Okeechobee Protection Plan (LOPP). In October 2005, Florida pledged $200 million over the next 4 years to implement the fast track projects of the Lake Okeechobee and Estuary Recovery Plan (LOER). Under the recovery plan, the State is expanding water storage areas, constructing treatment marshes and expediting environmental management initiatives to enhance the ecological health of the lake and downstream coastal estuaries. Starting in 2004, the agencies have requested $5 million per year through 2015. Additionally, since 2004, the SFWMD has also contributed $5 million per year to LOPP and will continue to do so through 2015.