Martin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) continues to work closely with our state legislative delegation to advance the priorities that serve the best interests of Martin County residents and visitors.

2026 State Priorities

  • SUPPORT continued dedicated funding for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
  • SUPPORT long-term funding commitments to finance the completion of the projects on the Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS), Indian River Lagoon-South (IRL-S) Project including funding for the continued IRL-S Phase Two.
  • SUPPORT the land acquisition of the Natural Lands Component of IRL-S, which includes 90,000acres of wetland restoration/
  • SUPPORT Loxahatchee Flowway 3 restoration of the North Fork of Loxahatchee River.

  • SUPPORT state funding for PalMar land acquisition and Florida Forever funding for state land acquisition.
  • SUPPORT the increase of funding for the rural and family lands protection program.

  • SUPPORT alternatives to the land application of biosolids. Excess nutrients from land application of human waste from wastewater treatment effluent, termed “biosolids,” reach surface waters and continue to increase the occurrence of chronic harmful algal blooms (HAB).

  • SUPPORT the Wastewater Grant Program and any other funding sources identified by the legislature for septic to sewer conversion projects.
  • SUPPORT the funding for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Management Program.

  • SUPPORT efforts and dedicated funding for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to protect and restore the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Tract.
  • SUPPORT efforts and continued dedicated funding for resources to prepare Florida’s coastal communities and habitats for the effects of rising sea levels.
  • SUPPORT the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s efforts on Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project (CREMP).

  • SUPPORT the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program's legislative priorities.

  • SUPPORT continued funding of projects identified through the LRPI, a partnership of governmental agencies brought together for the common goal of the restoration and enhancement of the Loxahatchee River.

  • SUPPORT maintaining the integrity of county home rule power, both administrative and fiscal, which allows counties to develop and implement community-based solutions to local problems.
  • OPPOSE legislation that circumvents local oversight, limits local control or prevents local officials from being responsive to their constituents.
  • OPPOSE legislation that shifts the financial burden from what are traditionally state responsibilities to the local level.

  • SUPPORT legislation that protects our natural resources and environment. The County will continue advocacy efforts to reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges to the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie River.
  • SUPPORT critical grant funding programs to protect the health and sustainability of our local waterways.
  • SUPPORT a dedicated annual funding source at a minimum of $50 million from any funding sources identified by the legislature to protect our beach shoreline for statewide beach nourishment and inlet management projects.
  • OPPOSE legislation that weakens local level wetland protections; Martin County’s wetland protections are a model throughout the state.
  • OPPOSE legislation that bans stronger fertilizer ordinances, especially during summer months.

  • SUPPORT continued investment in the Martin County Emergency Operations Center.
  • SUPPORT efforts to limit substance abuse and increased funding for mental health treatment.
  • SUPPORT full funding of the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program, the Sadowski Trust Fund and other accessible housing projects.
  • SUPPORT full funding of the District 19 Medical Examiner.
  • SUPPORT State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) emergency funding for disaster recovery.

  • SUPPORT legislation that simplifies the tax code or provides an economic boost to Florida taxpayers.
  • SUPPORT policies that promote private property rights, which encourages economic autonomy.
  • SUPPORT legislation that protects and reinforces the importance of tourism funding levels and programs.
  • OPPOSE any legislation that expands the allowed usage of bed tax. This vital program allows local businesses to gain access to customers through increased tourism spending.
  • OPPOSE decreasing funding levels to VISIT FLORIDA.

  • SUPPORT continued grant programs that maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites, as well as any program that provides funding for acquisition or development for public outdoor recreation.
  • SUPPORT the Department of Transportation’s Five-Year Work Plan, which includes funding for road construction, road improvements and resurfacing, and public transportation.
  • SUPPORT Florida’s Department of Transportation Target Zero campaign.
  • SUPPORT a train station in Martin County and the replacement of the railroad bridge through state and federal grant funding.
  • SUPPORT funding for capital projects that expands or establishes a new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service.