Florida’s Popular Land Conservation Program Diminished If you
have hiked in state preserves from Apalachicola to the Keys or
kayaked some of Florida’s unique springs, you’ve enjoyed the
beauty of Florida Forever. This program and its predecessor,
Preservation 2000, have protected 2.4 million acres of Florida’s
most pristine places. Many threatened and endangered species
such as the Florida panther, scrub jay and black bear rely on
habitat that still needs protection by Florida Forever. The
program also strengthens Florida’s economy in many ways. Saving
conservation land protects working agriculture, buffers military
bases, brings people to our state and produces jobs.
Unfortunately, Florida Forever’s unique funding formula – the
money for conservation comes from the documentary taxes paid on
real estate transactions– has not immunized it from controversy.
The last two years no money was allocated by lawmakers and this
year saw only $8.7 million. The previous 18 years have seen full
funding for Florida Forever