Watch this short message from our President, Paul Owens, to hear final reflections on key budget and policy outcomes this session.

https://vimeo.com/1099774358?share=copy

Throughout the session, 1000 Friends of Florida stood firm in advancing our legislative priorities—promoting smarter growth, stronger water protections, more resilient communities, and robust conservation funding. With your support, we championed fiscally responsible land-use policies, defended Florida’s conservation lands, and pushed for meaningful investments in affordable housing, historic preservation, and Everglades restoration.

Your advocacy, your voice, and your commitment to this shared vision helped us push back—often against strong headwinds. We know it can feel discouraging when lawmakers seem unmoved by public input. But your steady engagement—sending messages, showing up, staying informed—sends a clear signal: Floridians are paying attention and care deeply about the future of this state. Even when immediate wins are hard to come by, your advocacy lays the groundwork for long-term change.

Together, here’s what we accomplished:

• 51,106 emails sent to Florida legislators by our members
• Advocates active in 58 of 67 counties
• 3 legislative webinars with 2,554 attendees
•  Several key lawmakers received more than 1,000 messages each

These numbers tell a story: When the stakes are high, 1000 Friends of Florida’s members show up.

This session reaffirmed our reputation with lawmakers—not only as a trusted, reasonable partner on planning and conservation—but as an organization that can rally a remarkable and thoughtful grassroots network when it matters most.

We’ll be in touch soon with more ways to stay engaged. The 2026 Florida Legislative Session begins in January, and Interim Committee Weeks are already scheduled to begin in October. Our work—and your voice—will be just as important in the months ahead.

Advocacy is one powerful way to support 1000 Friends of Florida. Making a donation is another. If you're able, please consider a gift today to help us continue this critical work and expand our impact in the year to come.

If you would like to make a donation, visit https://1000fof.org/product/donate/

With gratitude,

The 1000 Friends of Florida Team