Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Opening of Application Cycle for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program partners with farmers and ranchers through rural lands protection easements to preserve working agricultural operations that contribute to Florida's economy and produce our food and fiber. Landowners can now submit their applications online through January 29, 2025. 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 over 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 the prosperity of Florida.

This week, the 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.

This week, the Governor and Cabinet 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. The Governor and Cabinet also voted to adopt an amendment to Rule 5I-7, F.A.C. to increase efficiency in reviewing applications and acquiring rural lands 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.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida's land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Simpson worked on legislation and budget issues to protect our precious natural resources. For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Simpson secured more than $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here: FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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