1000 Friends of Florida encourages public to lobby for important bills

1000 Friends of Florida

February 9, 2022

Since its inception, 1000 Friends has strongly advocated for state and local initiatives to help save special places and build better communities across our rapidly growing state. This session, several positive bills have been proposed, but some are stalling in committees. Time is running out if they are to be passed into law.

Please contact your State Representative and Senator (and remember calls are best, if possible). Let them know you support the following legislation and urge them to push these forward:

• FLORIDA FOREVER FUNDING (SB 1816/HB 1377) – Let your legislators know you support the allocation of at least $350 million towards conservation land acquisition through Florida Forever, the amount currently allocated in HB 1377.  With a significant revenue surplus projected, now is the time to invest in the protection of Florida’s lands and waters.

• GOVERNOR’S BLUE-GREEN ALGAE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS (SB 832/HB 561) – These would require implementation of additional recommendations from the Governor’s own Task Force related to septic tank inspections and prioritizing and assessing the effectiveness of waterway clean-up plans. This is a step in the right direction to lessen the blue-green algae outbreaks that routinely threaten Florida’s waters and economy.

• FLORIDA MAIN STREET PROGRAM AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDITS (HB 247/SB 1310) – These bills would provide a tax credit of up to 20 percent of some costs for rehabilitation of a certified historic structure and a tax credit of up to 30 percent for those within the official district boundaries of an active, certified Florida Main Street community. SB 1310 is moving forward but HB 247 has not yet been heard. The preservation and ongoing use of historic structures is an essential tool to revitalize communities and strengthen Florida’s economy. 

• EVERGLADES PROTECTION AREA (SB 932/HB 729) – These would require enhanced state review of comprehensive plan or plan amendment changes for land within or near the Everglades Protection Area to protect fragile environmental resources.  Poorly planned development could jeopardize the ongoing restoration of Florida’s Everglades and undermine the massive $9 billion from taxpayers already invested in this endeavor.

These measures will bolster Florida’s economy, enhance our quality of life, protect taxpayer investment, and slow the passing of costs for today’s problems onto our children and grandchildren.

You may find out more about these and other bills on 1000 Friends’ 2022 Legislative Update page and at our free February 16 Legislative Update webinar.