Everglades Law Center

From its headwaters north of Lake Okeechobee to the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, the Florida Everglades is an integral part of our ecology, culture and economy. Despite being considered a national treasure, overdevelopment, polluted runoff, ditching, mining and other human activities have resulted in the loss of approximately half of the Everglades' wetlands. The wading bird population has been reduced by about 90 percent, and populations of rare species found nowhere else in the world – including the iconic Florida panther – have been decimated. 

It was in response to the threats which face South Florida's Ecosystems and Communities that ELC began.  ELC's renowned attorneys provide high quality legal assistance to advocate, negotiate, and, when necessary, litigate to protect and restore the ecosystems of the Florida Everglades and communities. In Miami, ELC is at the forefront of protecting natural resources, like Biscayne Bay and Lake Worth Lagoon. ELC  partners with NGOs, advocates for stormwater regulations, promotes smart growth, and litigates against dangerous development. 

The small but mighty ELC team of 5 brings more than five decades of legal expertise in its work with over thirty national, state, and local environmental and conservation groups. Our attorneys are uniquely positioned throughout the Everglades ecosystem and handle a wide range of environmental matters, including land use, wetlands permitting, endangered species, public lands, and sustainable energy development. 

During Give Miami Day, every contribution—of any size—helps protect and restore the Everglades and strengthens ELC’s mission. For those able to make a leadership-level gift, Give Miami Day also offers a special opportunity to become a Founding Member of our major donor program, the Environmental Defenders. Founding Members receive lasting recognition for helping launch this vital program at a pivotal moment for South Florida’s ecosystems. You can join as a Founding Member at any of the following levels: Ecosystem Defender ($1,000), Conservation Catalyst ($2,500), Restoration Champion ($5,000), Preservation Partner ($10,000), Habitat Advocate ($25,000), Everglades Guardian ($50,000), or Environmental Amicus ($100,000).