Rep. Lindsay Cross Sounds Alarm Over Deep Cuts to Conservation

TALLAHASSEE — As the Florida Legislature closes budget negotiations for the 2025 session, State Representative Lindsay Cross (D-St. Petersburg) is raising concerns about proposed environmental funding cuts she says could jeopardize the state’s long-term resilience and prosperity.

Cross warned that the proposed House budget eliminates funding for cornerstone conservation programs, including Florida Forever and the Florida Communities Trust. Most notably, the plan would claw back $633 million previously committed to land acquisition through the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a program designed to protect interconnected natural habitats critical to wildlife and water quality.

“This funding is critical—not just for protecting Florida’s natural landscapes, but for ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of our entire state,” Cross said.

Cross, who represents House District 60 in Pinellas County, said she is advocating for appropriation projects that benefit her district and pushing for a budget that invests in conservation and resiliency statewide. She called the proposed environmental cuts “troubling” and pledged to fight “tooth and nail” to maintain protections for Florida’s environment.

The Florida Forever program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support and is considered one of the state’s most significant tools for acquiring and conserving land. Environmental advocates argue that slashing these funds could undermine efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, sea-level rise, and overdevelopment.

Budget negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days as lawmakers seek agreement before the final vote on the state’s spending plan.