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Florida Forever program and funding remains intact
Both the House and Senate voted unanimously to continue the Florida Forever program allocating $300 million. The popular program sets aside revenue and bonding authority to allow the state to purchase preservation lands across Florida. Since its inception in 2001, the Florida Forever has preserved over 2.8 million acres and protected the habitat for more than 190 wildlife species.
In addition to continuing the program, the bill (HB542) requires the Division of State Lands to determine the value of carbon capture and carbon sequestration with respect to state lands and to provide an inventory to the board of trustees. It also requires the priority purchase of conservation and recreational lands that have high concentrations of population and certain agricultural lands. The bill increases appraisal thresholds, requires bond moneys to be spent for capital improvements under certain conditions, and authorizes alternatives to fee simple purchases. Notably, the bill does not transfer Florida Communities Trust to the Department of Environmental Protection or any other state agency. The program will remain within the Department of Community Affairs. For more information, please contact Diana Ferguson.