Posted on February 10, 2025
The idea of Florida taking over Everglades restoration has been circulating in the state Capitol for a while. Governor Ron DeSantis is the latest leader to voice frustration with the federal government, particularly during a recent visit to Palm Beach County, where he discussed progress on the state’s water reclamation efforts.
“We have a job to do,” DeSantis said at a press conference in Juno Beach. “We want to get it done without unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy. Once the state decides a project is a priority, we aim to complete it quickly. Unfortunately, that’s not how some federal agencies, like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, operate.”
This frustration is widely shared. Although the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is a state-federal partnership, progress has often been hindered by slow-moving federal funding, prolonged decision-making by the Army Corps, and challenges such as rising sea levels, climate change, and increasing population growth. These factors have altered the project significantly since its inception 25 years ago.
The Army Corps often faces criticism as the agency responsible for designing and approving the 68 components of what is the largest environmental restoration effort in U.S. history. Congress also bears responsibility, as its complex funding process has delayed its $3.8 billion share of the project.
Despite these obstacles, removing federal oversight would not be beneficial. The federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability, and shifting sole responsibility to Florida could create new challenges. Without federal involvement, political disputes over water use between farmers, urban communities, and environmental advocates could become even more contentious.
While collaboration between state and federal agencies has been difficult, maintaining the partnership remains essential to successfully restoring the Everglades.
A Complex, Ongoing Effort
Restoring the Everglades has never been a simple task. CERP, a multi-billion-dollar initiative, was launched in 2000 when there was strong bipartisan support for preserving the natural flow of water in the region. The project aimed to improve water quality, prevent saltwater intrusion, and enhance water storage to meet the needs of both the ecosystem and Florida’s growing communities.
Approved under the leadership of then-Governor Jeb Bush and President Bill Clinton, CERP began with optimism and substantial funding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, along with other agencies, were tasked with restoring the unique “River of Grass” ecosystem. However, initial enthusiasm soon met with reality.
One of the biggest unforeseen challenges has been climate change. Rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and increased rainfall have reshaped the landscape in ways that were not anticipated when CERP was first designed. Additional delays have come from funding shortfalls, legal battles over water rights, and the slow construction of critical infrastructure such as stormwater treatment areas, a new Lake Okeechobee reservoir, and modifications to the Tamiami Trail to improve water flow into Everglades National Park.
Handing Florida control over federal CERP funds wouldn’t resolve the underlying political and financial hurdles that already slow funding allocations in Washington.
Progress and Challenges
Governor DeSantis has demonstrated a commitment to Everglades restoration, highlighting the state’s $3.3 billion investment in related projects from 2019 to 2023. He also pointed to the completion of the C-43 reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, which will significantly expand the region’s water storage capacity.
Despite these successes, major challenges remain. Reworking an ecosystem the size of New Jersey is an intricate process that takes time and will inevitably lead to frustrations. However, shifting full management to Florida is unlikely to simplify the effort. Keeping the federal partnership intact remains the best path forward.