1000 Friends of Florida

There was some movement in legislation to protect Florida's environment during the recent legislative session. But advocates are lauding the removal of one provision that never made it out of committee.

As of July 1, when individuals or groups challenge their local comprehensive plans or their amendments, the “prevailing” parties will be able to recover legal fees

The bill would make it prohibitively expensive for most citizens to fight changes to a county's comprehensive growth plans.

The wildlife corridor would preserve land stretching from the Everglades to Georgia and Alabama, allowing wildlife to freely migrate.

What would it look like to shift from risky development and wasteful design? Some of the world’s most forward-thinking designers weigh in.

Solar-powered Babcock Ranch came through Hurricane Ian with minimal damage and no flooding. Its developer believes it can inspire sustainable development in interior Florida.

The joint report from the University of Florida and 1000 Friends of Florida found a 23% increase in population and just under a foot of sea rise by 2040 could wipe out a million acres of undeveloped land.

Groups targeted proposals that could do such things as redefine sprawl, deter citizens from challenging comprehensive land-plan amendments and prevent cities and counties from regulating wetlands.

Backers say it would eliminate the need for the state government to enact any more preemption bills. This bill could cost local governments more than $900 million annually.

The year that was 2021 wasn't a bad year for environmental initiatives in Tallahassee. More money could be forthcoming this year from Tallahassee, but some worry even that won't be enough.

The money — if approved by state lawmakers — would pay for things like water treatment plants, shoreline stabilization projects and seawalls.

The new law requires the losing party in lawsuits about development orders to pay all attorney fees for the prevailing party.