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Division of State Lands

History of State Lands

In 1855, the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund was created as an agency of the Florida government. In 1841, the U.S. government had granted each state in the union 500,000 acres. Combined with the land received as a result of the Swamp and Overflowed Lands Act of 1850, the Trustees had more than 21 million acres under its control. Since then, Florida has worked to protect and conserve natural resources.

History of Florida's Conservation Efforts: Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever

Florida Forever Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida Forever? 

Florida Forever is the state’s conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, a blueprint for conserving Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. Florida Forever supports a wide range of goals, including water resource protection, coastal resiliency, preservation of cultural resources, public access to outdoor recreation, and the restoration and maintenance of public lands. 

How much land has been acquired under the Florida Forever program?

About the Division of State Lands

Many Florida residents recognize that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is Florida’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. But few residents realize how important a role DEP plays, through the Division of State Lands, in protecting Florida’s natural, cultural and recreational resources.

Buy Land From the State

The state of Florida owns and oversees management of approximately 3.8 million acres of uplands (which includes 500,000 acres of conservation easements). Most of the land is actively used by state agencies for recreation or conservation purposes, which are protected by the Florida Constitution in perpetuity.

Sell Land to the State

The Division of State Lands is able to purchase conservation property that is within a project on an approved Florida Forever acquisition list. Florida Forever is the state’s plan for conserving Florida's natural resources and renewing our commitment to conserve natural and cultural heritage. Florida Forever replaced the successful Preservation 2000 program (P2000).

Land Stewardship

Florida is home to more than 4 million acres of conservation land. Most of these lands are open to the public for recreation, and nearly all require some form of stewardship. The Division of State Lands leases these lands to state agencies and local governments to manage.

The division has leased over 480 conservation areas for use as parks, preserves, forests, wildlife management areas, historic sites and recreation areas. 

Land Acquisition Process

Once it has been determined that the state of Florida will be able to work with a landowner toward acquiring a parcel, DEP’s Division of State Lands’ Bureau of Real Estate Services becomes involved. This bureau is responsible for acquiring conservation property under the Florida Forever program. The Bureau of Real Estate Services has two sections that ensure the process is completed - the Negotiation section and the Closing section.

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About DEP

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.

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Contact

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov 850-245-2118 MyFlorida.com

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