While Governor DeSantis (R-FL) previously indicated his disapproval of SB 2508, it appears as if he will sign teh bill into law in the coming weeks.
Gov. DeSantis previously disputed the bill for some contextual language that he disagreed with. DeSantis' primary concern was prioritizing Everglades restoration efforts and funding and even received pushback from Senate President Simpson (R).
Now, several key players in the Florida legislature have changed their minds on the bill, including State Rep. Jason Fisher (R-16) who described DeSantis as, "a champion for the environment and a warrior for clean water." Adding, "When it comes to fighting for Florida, Floridians can trust Ron DeSantis!"
State Rep. Chip Lamarca (R-93) also commented on his change of heart regarding the bill, stating, "I was not in support of the bill as originally filed. After thoughtful discussions with environmental advocates and the agriculture industry both, the amended version fixed the concerns that so many Floridians voiced strong opposition to and we voted in favor of the bill in the Florida House with overwhelming bipartisan support."
Florida’s Republican Liberty Caucus also weighed in in support of the measure.
RLC President Bob White stated in a letter to Gov. DeSantis asked the Governor to push back against the Biden administration overreach, and that the state had a “right to control its own water.”
“Florida’s right to control its own water, standing up for our local communities and defending federalism is essential to ensure that we do what is best for our state and its citizens. We know Florida better than distant federal bureaucrats and have managed it wisely for decades. And we are glad that this bill adds accountability at the water management district level to ensure our state’s tax dollars are being spent for the intended purposes,” stated White.
While DeSantis' main concern is sustaining the environment, Sen. Dennis Baxley (R-12) has reassured the governor this will not be an issue.
"The Governor and sponsors of this legislation have worked long and hard to balance the environmental and agricultural needs of our state. Both are essential parts of our future," said Sen. Baxley.
SB 2508 is expected to be signed into law within the next two weeks.
