Boat ramps, reefs highlight governor’s budget

Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommendations are intended to solidify the state’s role in fish and wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.

A news release released last week outlined the governor’s priorities with funding that flows through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“As the ‘Boating Capital of the World,’ Florida’s coastal communities must have enough publicly accessible boat ramps,” it read, noting that the proposed budget recommends $9 million to increase public access to maritime facilities while providing a second consecutive year of flexibility in the Department of Environmental Protection’s Working Waterfronts program.

“Florida boasts one of the country’s most active artificial reef programs, which are proven to increase reef fish habitat,” it went on to say, noting that the budget provides $10 million to support additional reefs across Florida’s coastlines.

The governor wants to increase public access to shooting sports and wild game, it reads, and notes that in support of the Second Amendment, the budget invests $9.2 million to support the construction of two new shooting sports facilities in Liberty and Polk counties while also calling for a “Second Amendment Summer” tax holiday on firearms and ammunition. Additionally, the budget provides $9 million to manage FWC’s wildlife management areas.

To prioritize fresh and saltwater research and state management, the governor’s budget proposes to provide additional funds to support FWC’s marine lab in Cedar Key and increased funding to support the management of red snapper off all of Florida’s coastlines. The budget also prioritizes investments in Florida bass, snook, tripletail, and other bonefish species.

To assist in maintaining law and order, the governor provides $5 million for a dedicated state training facility for waterborne rescues and $4.4 million to codify the FWC’s Special Immigration Law Enforcement Unit.

“Governor DeSantis’ recommendations reinforce his unwavering support to Florida’s fisheries, hunting and angling community, public access to shooting sports,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “These investments are in addition to the Governor’s law enforcement pay plan, support of enhanced training capabilities for FWC officers, and funding to bolster our operations to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.”

Florida is home to some of the country’s premier destinations for top-tier fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreational opportunities. These activities draw outdoor enthusiasts to the state and contribute significantly to the state’s economy with nearly $15 billion. The state has more than 34 million acres of public and private land and over 12,000 square miles of water.