TALLAHASSEE, Florida — In a state renowned for its natural beauty, some environmental advocates are voicing concerns that Florida’s enduring commitment to conservation may be at a crossroads, despite recent influxes of hundreds of millions of dollars aimed at protection efforts.
The state’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife are not only treasured by Floridians but are also integral to the regional economy. However, the rhetoric from certain state leaders about potentially selling or trading conservation land has raised alarm among environmentalists. This unease has been compounded by a recent controversial proposal from Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration to develop golf courses and accommodations within state parks.
Florida’s recent emphasis on conservation easements—financial incentives for farmers to refrain from developing their land within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a designated network of over 18 million acres—has further polarized environmentalists. While some laud the initiative, others argue it detracts from the critical need to acquire additional land for parks, wildlife habitats, and public access.
“I think we’ve had great bipartisan support for our public lands,” stated Sarah Gledhill, president of the Florida Wildlife Federation, in a recent interview. “And we want to see those elected officials continue on that path and remain committed to the lands that all Floridians and visitors can enjoy.”
Since 1990, Florida has allocated billions of dollars to preserve more than 2.6 million acres for conservation purposes. The state remains committed to land acquisition, having earmarked $2.3 billion since 2018, including $1.5 billion specifically for the corridor, according to state Representative Lawrence McClure, a Republican and chair of the budget committee.
Despite this substantial financial investment, some environmentalists caution that signs of wavering commitment are emerging. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who is eyeing a gubernatorial run in 2026, has advocated for the sale of certain conservation lands within the corridor. In 2023, he proposed this strategy as a means to facilitate further land acquisitions, a notion echoed by the chair of the state House agriculture committee through a recently failed legislative bill. Critics view this approach as a perilous step toward relinquishing essential natural areas.
In August, DeSantis’ administration ignited a firestorm of criticism—drawing rebukes even from fellow Republicans—by suggesting the construction of golf courses and recreational facilities in state parks. Following widespread backlash, the proposal was withdrawn, with DeSantis noting he had not been fully apprised of its implications.
During this period of upheaval, the Tampa Bay Times reported that the Cabinet had preliminarily approved a land trade involving 324 acres of Withlacoochee State Forest, exchanging it for 861 acres of pine plantation intended for a Hernando County golf course. Earlier this year, state wildlife officials also sanctioned the construction of a Central Florida expressway through a 1,600-acre wildlife management area, despite pushback from environmental advocates.
Under Simpson’s leadership, the state has pivoted toward easements as a foundational component of its conservation strategy. While proponents argue that these easements provide a cost-effective means of conservation without the state’s ongoing maintenance burden—and allow landowners to retain tax responsibilities—some environmentalists contend that prioritizing agricultural land protections undermines broader conservation goals.
“It’s not conservation land that will be restored,” warned Cris Costello from the Sierra Club. “It’s working lands that have fertilizer put on it, or manure or row crops — it’s fertilizer and pesticides. It’s not conservation land.”
Critics assert that focusing heavily on agricultural protections within the Florida Wildlife Corridor detracts from the Florida Forever program, which systematically evaluates and ranks lands for potential acquisition. This year, the state is allocating $100 million to incentivize farmers not to develop their existing land. McClure has urged legislative colleagues to reconsider the mission of Florida’s land conservation initiatives.
“Is the mission to own a bunch of land? Or is the mission to protect the land?” he posed during a recent legislative session. “I believe the mission is to protect as much of Florida’s rural lands for a variety of uses.”
Ryan Smart, the executive director of the Florida Springs Council, expressed concern that easements may unintentionally replace the more transparent, science-based Florida Forever program. He added that agricultural conservation easements could perpetuate farming practices that lead to groundwater contamination, counteracting essential conservation efforts.
Nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from agricultural fertilizers and animal waste are threatening the health of Florida’s springs, critical to numerous state parks. Smart emphasized the need for innovative solutions to mitigate agricultural intensity, suggesting that mere regulatory approaches may be insufficient.
Simpson has remained elusive in response to multiple interview requests but previously articulated a vision of selling land currently held by the state—while designating it for agricultural use—to finance further conservation acquisitions. “Tougher times will come,” he remarked at a Florida Wildlife Corridor conference last year, suggesting a creative approach would be necessary to sustain conservation momentum.
Other environmental groups express a cautious optimism regarding conservation easements. Joshua Daskin, a research biologist and director of conservation at Archbold Biological Station, described easements as vital tools for balancing land preservation and agricultural activity. “Large parts of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are working lands,” he noted, affirming that many landowners wish to maintain their agricultural practices.
Audubon Florida has opposed the legislation aimed at easing the sale of state lands but generally views the existing conservation programs, including easements, as effective. “As they stand right now, we don’t have concerns about them,” stated Beth Alvi, senior director of policy for Audubon Florida, while emphasizing the need for transparency if land surpluses occur.
Jim Strickland, owner of Strickland Ranch and a former leader of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, echoed the sentiment that both Florida Forever and the easement programs are essential for land conservation. He remarked that the decision to sell or conserve property ultimately lies with landowners, who often face the dilemma of retaining land within the family or selling it to developers.
“It comes down to where the money is and what do the actual landowners want to put on their property,” Strickland concluded. “They still own it, and they will have to pass it down or sell it. That’s why I believe in both programs.”
