Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Contributor
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program partners with Florida farmers and ranchers through rural lands protection easements to preserve working agricultural operations that contribute to Florida's economy and produce food and fiber. Landowners can now submit their applications to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) online through Wednesday, Jan. 29. The department will then review the applications for eligibility. More information on the program and the application process can be found at FDACS.gov/RFLPP. "Florida's working agricultural lands are not just fields and pastures – they sustain our economy, nourish our communities and protect our natural resources," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is a testament to the critical partnership between the state and our farmers and ranchers, ensuring these lands remain productive and vibrant for future generations. I encourage landowners to apply and join us in safeguarding Florida's agricultural future." Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program has successfully preserved more than 196,000 acres of working agricultural land, with more than 130,000 acres preserved during Commissioner Simpson's administration. The program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida's economic future. Agricultural lands are increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources. These easements serve as safeguards against future development, allowing agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida's economy and the production of food, timber and other resources vital to its prosperity. During the first week of January, Florida's Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of over 62,000 acres of working agricultural land totaling over $206,000,000. The 13 easements marked the most acquisitions in the program's history to be approved at a meeting of the Governor and Cabinet. They also voted to approve the 2024 Rural and Family Lands Protection Program's Project Acquisition List, with over 300,000 acres of proposed conservation projects valued at nearly $1 billion. A recent amendment to Rule 5I-7, F.A.C., increases efficiency in reviewing applications and acquiring rural land protection easements. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson helped to secure a $100 million legislative appropriation for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and another $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated in SB 1638, to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including the acquisition of rural land protection easements under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed at FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.