TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved the protection of more than 21,500 acres of conservation and agricultural land, representing a $27.4 million investment through the Florida Forever program and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
The approved acquisitions are intended to strengthen Florida’s conservation network, support military readiness through Sentinel Landscapes, and preserve family-owned agricultural lands, ensuring the state’s natural and rural landscapes remain intact for future generations.
“From day one, my administration has recognized the importance of preserving Florida’s environment for future generations,” DeSantis said. “By protecting the right lands in the right places, we’re securing clean water, supporting military readiness, strengthening rural economies, and preserving the natural heritage that makes Florida a world-class destination.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said the approvals help keep agricultural lands in family ownership while supporting farmers and ranchers statewide.
“Protecting Florida’s agricultural and conservation lands means keeping it in the hands of the families who work them,” Simpson said. “Every acre protected through these programs keeps our state a little more rural — and a lot more Florida — while supporting farmers, ranchers, and conservation efforts statewide.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the Florida Forever program continues to produce meaningful conservation results for the state.
“Florida Forever continues to deliver transformative conservation outcomes for our state,” Lambert said. “The Governor and Cabinet’s ongoing support ensures we can continue safeguarding vital ecosystems, water resources, working lands, and the landscapes that define Florida.”
Among the approved projects are two conservation easements totaling 10,996 acres within the Caloosahatchee Big Cypress Corridor in Collier and Hendry counties. The lands will enhance connectivity between the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area, providing critical habitat for imperiled species such as the Florida panther while continuing agricultural operations. These properties lie within the Big Cypress Area of Critical State Concern and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Cabinet also approved a 7,437-acre conservation easement within the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever Project in Escambia County. The property will serve as a buffer for key military installations while protecting water quality and aquifer recharge in the Perdido and Escambia river watersheds. It lies within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
In Putnam County, a 2,060-acre rural lands protection easement was approved for the Tilton Family Farm Project. The family-owned property, established in 1973, includes a cow-calf operation, timber stands, and row crops, and produces honey and fresh produce that support local food deserts and community access to healthy food. The property lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
A 1,059-acre rural lands protection easement was also approved for the Siboney Ranch Project in Okeechobee County. The family-owned ranch, established in 2003, operates as a cow-calf operation and is bordered by Pine Creek Sporting Club to the west and Quail Creek Sporting Ranch to the east, preserving productive agricultural land and rural heritage. The property lies within the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
As part of his proposed Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27, DeSantis has recommended $115 millionfor the Florida Forever Program to conserve natural and recreational lands and secure conservation easements, including lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The proposed budget also includes $200 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to support Florida’s working agricultural lands and family farms. More information on the approved land acquisitions is available through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
