FWC: Governor Ron DeSantis’ Floridians First Budget prioritizes Florida’s oyster reefs, manatees and Floridians' constitutional right to boat, fish, and hunt
Today, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Rodney Barreto and Executive Director Roger Young issued the following statements in support of Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2026-27 Floridians First Budget, bolstering his Administration’s commitment to Florida’s fish and wildlife:
“Since Governor DeSantis took office, his unwavering dedication to preserving Florida’s natural resources has ensured our conservation legacy will thrive for generations to come,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “With his support, Florida continues to remain the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World and provides exceptional recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.”
“Florida leads the way in conservation thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, and that includes our efforts to expedite the restoration of oyster reefs in Apalachicola Bay and seagrass along Crystal River,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Under his stewardship, Floridians will continue to thrive in the Free State of Florida, with increased fishing, hunting, boating and outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Florida is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a significant contributor to the state's economy. Our state is home to some of the country’s top destinations for world-class fishing, unique hunting opportunities and outdoor recreation. These activities contribute nearly $15 billion in economic impact, demonstrating how conservation directly benefits public access and outdoor experiences, supporting residents and visitors alike. With more than 34 million acres of public and private land and over 12,000 square miles of water, maintaining our fish and wildlife resources is critical to sustaining a healthy way of life and a robust economy.
Bolstering Investments in Florida’s Oyster Reefs
Historically, nearly 90% of Florida’s and 10% of the nation’s wild oysters came from Apalachicola Bay. This year, the Governor is recommending $30 million in funding to expedite FWC’s efforts to restore and recover oyster habitats, including $25 million in Apalachicola Bay. This investment is in addition to an additional $5 million investment in projects under the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to support the Apalachicola Bay Area of Critical State Concern. Continuing these investments is crucial to the successful reopening and long-term recovery of the Apalachicola Bay oyster industry.
Accelerating Manatee Habitat Recovery
The Governor continues his unwavering support for Florida’s marine mammals with a $12 million investment in manatee care and management. This includes $3 million to expedite the restoration of seagrass in priority waterways, including Crystal River. Doing so will improve manatee habitat recovery through enhanced access to winter warmwater refuges.
Increasing Boating Access to Florida’s Waterways
As the Boating Capital of the World, Florida’s coastal communities must have enough publicly accessible boat ramps. As such, the budget recommends $9 million to increase public access to maritime facilities while continuing to provide flexibility in DEP’s Working Waterfronts program.
Training Law Enforcement in Waterborne Rescue
FWC officers are Floridians’ first line of support during hurricanes, high surges and drowning events. The budget includes $1.5 million to construct a new waterborne training facility at the Florida Public Safety Institute to ensure Florida law enforcement officers are ready to rescue in blue and grey skies.
Establishing Florida’s Coastal Corridor
The budget provides $5 million to continue the establishment of Florida’s Coastal Corridor, a program of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation, to expedite habitat restoration through the placement of artificial reefs.
Prioritizing Fresh and Saltwater Research and State Management
The budget continues to invest in FWC’s ability to manage Florida’s resources, rather than willingly accepting federal management. As recommended by the Governor, FWC is provided $3 million to support FWC’s freshwater fish hatchery in Santa Rosa County and $3.4 million to support state-led management of Atlantic red snapper and Gulf gag grouper.
Increasing Public Access to Shooting Sports and Wild Game
In addition to the recommendation of the second consecutive year of the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday for Fishing and Hunting, the budget calls for $8 million to construct a new world-class archery center in Polk County.