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Scott Signs 'Legacy Florida,' Greens Rejoice

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.

A Miami native, former WFSU reporter Jim Ash is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience, most of it in print. He has been a member of the Florida Capital Press Corps since 1992.