Environmental groups are praising Governor Rick Scott for signing the so-called “Legacy Florida” bill Thursday.
Legacy Florida builds on the 2014 environmental mandate Amendment 1 by directing a portion of the money to Everglades restoration. The Everglades Foundation is calling it a momentous occasion.
The money comes from a tax on real estate transactions and the new law is expected to generate $250 million a year for the next two decades.
Republican Joe Negron of Stuart, the next Senate president, is a prime sponsor. The bill also includes $50 million to protect Florida’s fresh-water springs.
