Everglades Law Center

From its headwaters north of Lake Okeechobee to the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, the Greater Everglades is an integral part of Florida’s ecology, culture, and economy. Yet decades of overdevelopment, polluted runoff, drainage, mining, and other human activities have dramatically altered this extraordinary ecosystem. Approximately half of the Everglades’ historic wetlands have been lost, wading bird populations have declined significantly, and rare and endangered species—including the iconic Florida panther—continue to face mounting threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.

Everglades Law Center (ELC) was founded in response to these threats and the need for a strong legal voice dedicated to protecting South Florida’s ecosystems and communities. Our attorneys advocate, negotiate, and, when necessary, litigate to protect and restore the Greater Everglades and the natural resources upon which South Florida depends.

In Miami-Dade County, that work starts with protecting Biscayne Bay. The Bay is one of South Florida’s most treasured natural resources, but decades of development, pollution, failing infrastructure, and stormwater runoff have pushed this vital ecosystem to a critical point. ELC works to address these threats at their source—strengthening protections for water quality, wetlands, and the lands that help sustain a healthy Biscayne Bay.

ELC works alongside community, conservation, academic, and other partners to improve compliance with stormwater requirements and advocate for stronger policies that reduce pollution entering Biscayne Bay. We engage directly with local governments and agencies to improve stormwater management, strengthen regulations, and hold decision-makers accountable for protecting water quality.

At the same time, ELC is working to ensure that Miami-Dade grows responsibly. Through our smart-growth and land-use work, we defend environmentally sensitive lands from inappropriate development and work to preserve the wetlands, agricultural lands, and open spaces that provide a critical buffer between Miami’s urban communities and the Everglades. When necessary, we take these fights to court—including successfully challenging major development proposals that threaten to push urban development farther into environmentally sensitive areas.

Our Miami work also looks toward the future. ELC advocates for climate-resilient solutions that protect both people and the environment, including nature-based approaches to flooding and coastal storm risk. From Biscayne Bay and the Little River watershed to Miami-Dade’s wetlands and Everglades buffer lands, we work to ensure that decisions being made today protect South Florida’s communities and natural resources for generations to come.

ELC’s small but mighty team of six brings more than five decades of legal expertise to this work, partnering with more than thirty national, state, and local environmental and conservation organizations. Our attorneys work throughout the Greater Everglades on issues ranging from water quality and wetlands permitting to endangered species, land use, public lands, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

This Give Miami Day, you can help give the Everglades and Biscayne Bay a voice. Every contribution—of any size—strengthens ELC’s ability to provide the legal expertise, advocacy, and representation needed to protect South Florida’s natural resources. Your support allows us to challenge harmful development, fight for cleaner water, protect wetlands and wildlife habitat, strengthen environmental policies, and hold government agencies and decision-makers accountable. Together, we can protect Biscayne Bay, defend the Everglades, and help ensure that the South Florida we love remains healthy, resilient, and wild for generations to come.