The Legislature convenes March 4. Here's what we want lawmakers to do

For weeks Florida legislators have been meeting in committee, filing and debating bills and preparing for the official start of the 2025 Legislative Session on March 4.

In the coming months VoteWater will travel to Tallahassee to lobby for clean-water bills and funding; and here in our newsletter and at VoteWater.org we’ll track legislation, good and bad, and help you make your voice heard on key proposals.

Our efforts will be guided by our 2025 Legislative Priorities. They include kick-starting the process of acquiring more land south of Lake Okeechobee so we can “Rescue the River of Grass”; monitoring and curbing the prevalence of “Dirty Money” in politics; protecting wetlands; and defending Florida’s state parks from inappropriate development. 

Against the backdrop of the red tide now hammering Florida’s west coast, it’s more important than ever to stop legislation that would have a negative impact on clean water, and advance bills that protect our waterways.

RESCUE THE RIVER OF GRASS:

Have you signed the petition yet?

Thousands of Floridians have signed the petition asking the state Legislature to do more to stop discharges to the northern estuaries, save the Everglades and Florida Bay, protect human and animal health and safeguard Florida's water-based economy.

We know what Florida needs to do: Acquire more land. But here's what YOU can do: Sign the petition if you haven't already done so.

Click this link to learn more and add your name to the growing list of people demanding Florida finish the job.

Keep up the pressure: Tell the Army 

Corps to stop the discharges!

TAKE ACTION: Complete this letter 

to Col. Brandon Bowman with

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;

or email Bowman at [email protected]

Red tide headlines: Bad to worse

WINK News: Dolphin found dead in Collier County amid red tide warnings

Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Red tide in the 'kill zone' reported near some Florida beaches. What you should know

The Florida Keys & Key West: Health Department in Florida Keys cautions about red tide at Marvin Key and Marquesas Keys

The News-Press: Red tide alert issued by Health Department for Tarpon Bay Road beach on Sanibel Island



Unfortunately the situation doesn't appear to be getting any better. This is what you get with Florida's poor water quality - and to reiterate what we said up top, it’s crucial we derail any legislation that would make things worse.

ICYMI: What's killing dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon? Look in the mirror

Our latest "Deep Dive" took a closer look at how and why lagoon dolphins die, and found human activity plays a massive role. A recent study also shows more dolphins are immunocompromised and less able to fight off diseases like cancer - but scientists aren't sure why. Bottom line: A cleaner lagoon likely means healthier dolphins - and our report details steps you can take to help.

P.S.: Floridians DON'T have the right to clean water; but you can change that

VoteWater supports the drive to get a right to clean water amendment on the 2026 Florida ballot, and you can too! Sign the petition, make a donation, volunteer your time and help Floridians secure a future with clean and safe water for all.