Conservation

Darren has been a long-time champion of protecting Florida’s environment. Like many Floridians, he enjoys the great outdoors, including hiking, kayaking, and going to the beach. He understands how important this is to so many of his fellow Floridians across our beautiful state.

Over the years, he helped secure billions in funding to restore the Kissimmee River, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and Lake Conway. He also secured over $500 million in funding for water supply for Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties. In addition, he helped secure $9.4 million for Indian River Lagoon restoration after the manatees experienced an unusual mortality event. 

He passed the bipartisan Restoring Resilient Reefs Act to protect the Great Florida Reef. It was the largest reef restoration bill in decades. He also passed legislation to stop commercial fishing of billfish, sailfish, and marlins to boost their populations and promote recreational fishing. In addition, he passed legislation to hold foreign companies liable for oil spills off Florida’s coasts.

He is a strong proponent of renewable energy and supports electric-vehicle, hybrid, solar, and wind tax credits.