Land Conservation

Florida Forever

Department of Environmental Protection-Division of State Lands

Florida Forever is the state land acquisition program and is run by the Division of State Lands (DSL). The program purchases properties with high conservation value, utilizing both fee-simple and less-than-fee acquisition strategies (conservation easements).

The Florida Forever program has specific guidelines for acceptance including an application and vetting process that is a year to 18 months in duration (depending on when an application is submitted). Once accepted into the program applications are ranked and placed into categories. Properties under 1000 acres may be considered for a boundary amendment (if they meet other qualifications); this is a much quicker process.

Florida Forever received 100 Million for FY 24-25. Under new legislation, the program will receive 100 million/yr (reoccurring).

Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP)

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The RFLPP is an agricultural easement program run by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; it is designed to protect important agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent land conservation easements. The purpose of the program is to protect working landscapes. Securing funding for the RFLPP program is one of FCG’s top priorities.

RFLPP easements are less restrictive than other programs; they keep ranchlands and other agricultural lands from being developed into housing or other forms of land use that would eliminate both agricultural uses and habitat. The program is very popular among landowners who would like to have flexibility with their agricultural operations.

The application and vetting process lasts approximately six months. The program received 100 Million (recurring) FY 24-25. The next planned application period will be open in December of 2024.

The Forest Legacy Program

Florida Forest Service

he Forest Legacy Program aims to protect and conserve forests that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses through the purchase of conservation easements or by fee-simple purchase of the land. The State Lead Agency in Florida is the Florida Forest Service, however, the U.S. Forest Service makes the final determinations on which projects across the nation are awarded funding. Florida, working through the U.S. Forest Service Regional Office, can submit no more than three projects from the state to the national office for consideration each year and the maximum funding is $20 million per year, per state. However, programs may partner with other state and county government entities, as well as with private and non-profit organizations to leverage funding.

Florida’s Forest Legacy Area map identifies which portions of the state are eligible for protection under the Forest Legacy Program.

Wetland Reserve Easement Program (WRE)

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

The Wetland Reserve Easement Program (WRE) purchases conservation easements on degraded or former wetlands in need of restoration. NRCS prioritizes wetlands that have been converted into other agricultural uses. NRCS will prioritize applications based on the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

WREs can be more restrictive than other easements; NRCS has the right to restrict grazing rights for restoration purposes. NRCS has not restricted grazing rights in Florida as part of the WRE program, and they indicate it is highly unlikely they ever will, as cattle are an important management tool in Florida. Landowners also have the option to secure grazing rights on a WRE in perpetuity for a reduced rate. Due to their restrictive nature, WREs tend to have a higher dollar value than other easements. The WRE program is an essential part of efforts to restore watershed function in the Everglades and other watersheds to provide storm water retention and water purification that addresses current water quality issues including freshwater and coastal red tide algal blooms.

Agricultural Conservation Land Easement Program: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)

NRCS

The ALE is a partnership program geared toward working landscapes. NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. Eligible partners include Indian tribes, state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. The ALE program will provide up to 50% match for working agricultural lands and 75% where there are grasslands of special significance. NRCS does not purchase these easements; rather, they contribute to the partner that is acquiring the easement. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) under the Florida Forest Service has been successfully partnering with the NRCS ALE program, enabling them to leverage their dollars. Water Management Districts and County Land Conservation Programs are also pursuing funding partnerships with the ALE program.

Conservation Easements U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wildlife Refuge System is current acquiring land and purchasing conservation easements throughout south-central and southwest Florida. USWS service is working with landowners within the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area and the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area. These conservation easements are focused on ecologically sensitive lands; they have been focused on cattle ranches and other low-intensity agricultural uses.

FWS is working in partnership with other easement and acquisition programs to leverage these dollars.

Florida Water Management Districts