Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced nearly $30 million in new environmental investments, unveiling a substantial funding package aimed at protecting Biscayne Bay and advancing the long-term restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef. The initiative directs $20 million toward eight projects under the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program. Allocates an additional $9.5 million to 11 coral reef restoration projects across the state.
Speaking in Miami, DeSantis emphasized the significance of the investment and positioned it as part of a broader effort to safeguard Florida’s natural resources.
“It was great to be in Miami this morning to announce new investments of almost $30 million to improve Biscayne Bay water quality and support the long-term recovery of Florida’s Coral Reef,” he said.
DeSantis grants 30 mdd to protect Biscayne Bay
Highlighting his administration’s environmental record, Florida Governor added, “To-date, my administration has awarded over $3.5 billion to over 1,000 local projects aimed at protecting Florida’s water resources… to ensure that our state’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.”
State environmental leaders underscored the ecological and economic importance of Biscayne Bay, the largest estuary in Florida. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert noted that the bay supports essential plant and wildlife species and plays a key role in sustaining local economies.
Since taking office, Ron DeSantis has identified the health of Biscayne Bay as a priority, directing $90 million toward targeted water quality projects in the region since 2019. His 2021 legislation created the Biscayne Bay Commission, a body focused on ensuring that scientific data guides policy decisions and restoration strategies.
The new round of grants will support wastewater upgrades, septic-to-sewer transitions, stormwater improvements, and other initiatives designed to reduce nutrient pollution amid ongoing population growth.
The additional $9.5 million for coral reef restoration will advance the Florida Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative (FCR3), established under Executive Order 23-06.
The funded projects will expand land-based coral propagation capacity, enhance data systems, and support the scientific and logistical infrastructure needed to rebuild the continental United States’ only living barrier reef. The state aims to develop the expertise and tools required to ensure long-term reef recovery by 2050.
