Bad news: New legislation would create a pipeline where conservation lands are acquired with public dollars — then reviewed for agricultural “suitability” and potentially sold off, permanently changing how Florida’s conservation programs function.
Will you sign and share our petition in support of protecting conservation lands in perpetuity?
Background
This year’s bills for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — SB 290/HB 433 (Sen. Truenow (R-Tavares) and Rep. Alvarez (R-Hillsborough County)) — are a 1000-line grab bag of issues. Buried inside is language that would fundamentally change how Florida treats conservation lands.
What is the Problem?
The bill proposes that all state conservation land (other than state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas) purchased after 2023 would be reviewed to determine if they are “suitable” for agriculture, and if they are, the lands may be surplussed for agricultural use, with the state retaining an easement. The revenue from the sale would not be returned to the water management district, Florida Forever, or whatever program purchased the land in the first place, but rather to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to fund their easement program protecting the interests of agriculture.
Audubon is Concerned
- Easements don’t allow public access.
- New conservation lands could be flipped before they’re even protected.
- The question should not be “are lands suitable for agriculture?” but rather, “is agriculture suitable for state lands?”
- The legislation threatens the ability of water management districts to protect water quality and restore the Everglades, Indian River Lagoon, St. Johns River, North Florida springs, and more.
- It is unconstitutional.
What Can You Do?
This is a moment for advocates to speak up clearly: Conservation lands should be protected for conservation — not treated as a land bank for future agricultural easements. Use your voice and click here to sign our petition.
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