TALLAHASSEE, Florida — State agencies are requesting nearly $500 million for land conservation programs in their fiscal 2026-27 budget requests.
Details: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is requesting $150 million for its conservation easements program, in addition to $200 million in recurring funding previously approved by the Legislature.
The state Department of Environmental Protection is requesting $100 million in recurring funding for its Florida Forever land acquisition list, in addition to $30 million for two local parks programs.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said his department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program helps preserve wildlife habitat while allowing agricultural operations to continue.
