Florida lawmakers just cut all new funding for Florida Forever, the state’s leading land conservation program, for the upcoming year. Three years ago, they promised at least $100 million annually. Now, they’re set to vote on a budget that breaks that promise, leaving the program empty-handed.
Earlier in the legislative session, the Senate signed off on $35 million for Florida Forever, and Governor DeSantis wanted to spend even more, $115 million. But this week, lawmakers slashed that to zero. No new dollars for the flagship program that has helped preserve Florida’s natural lands for decades.
Groups like The Conservancy of Southwest Florida are sounding the alarm. They paint a stark picture: without additional money, lawmakers will protect no new lands this year. That means Florida risks losing wild corridors for wildlife, vital drinking water recharge areas, and green spaces that support both communities and the environment. Land acquisition is one of the few proven tools to block these areas from turning into shopping centers or subdivisions.
Instead of fresh funding, lawmakers are diverting existing conservation dollars to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which pays landowners to keep their land undeveloped. While environmentalists see value in that program, easements alone can’t keep up with Florida’s pace of growth. The population keeps booming, development marches on, and genuine public spaces, those owned and enjoyed by everyone, grow even scarcer without Florida Forever.
This decision is especially glaring given the program’s track record. Since launching in 2000, Florida Forever has helped the state buy more than a million acres. Including its predecessor, Preservation 2000, the total comes to over 2.6 million acres that are protected. It was the voters who demanded this kind of commitment. Back in 2014, they passed a constitutional amendment saying at least a third of real estate taxes must go to land and water conservation. Lawmakers haven’t honored that.
Environmental groups say politicians in Tallahassee respond when enough voters speak out. Last year, public pressure stopped lawmakers from opening several state parks to development. The message: organized outcry works. The situation is urgent, especially in Southwest Florida, where overdevelopment puts an incredible strain on the region’s unique habitats.
Organizations like The Conservancy of Southwest Florida promote strict growth management and science-driven land policies to counter aggressive development and protect the region’s natural character. Their advocacy stretches across several key issues: fighting massive new projects that threaten panther habitats and wetlands, defending waterways in federal court, and clamoring for state dollars to buy and protect more critical land.
Anyone who cares about Florida’s future can play a role. The Conservancy regularly shares ways to get involved through its Advocacy Initiatives and Habitat Protection Policy. Residents who want to see natural Florida preserved just need to raise their voices, and show lawmakers these lands are too important to lose.
Click here for more information about The Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
