Florida Forever Becomes Law

The state’s successful land conservation program will be extended through 2020.

TALLAHASSEE, FL — July 1, 2008 — Governor Crist signed into law late Monday Senate bill 542, which extends the Florida Forever program through 2020 at $300 million a year. The new law goes into effect today.

“This is the best investment we could make in our children’s future,” said Nature Conservancy Florida State Director Jeff Danter. “Extending the Florida Forever program will help protect Florida’s most important assets — its natural spaces and wildlife.”

The Nature Conservancy is grateful to Governor Crist and the Florida Legislature for having the vision to extend land conservation funding well into the future. The Conservancy especially wishes to recognize the following legislators for their leadership:

• Senate President Ken Pruitt, Port St. Lucie
• Sen. Burt Saunders, Naples
• Sen. Lisa Carlton, Sarasota
• House Speaker Marco Rubio, Miami
• Rep. Ray Sansom, Fort Walton Beach
• Rep. Dean Cannon, Winter Park
• Rep. Stan Mayfield, Vero Beach
• Rep. Will Kendrick, Carrabelle

Through Sen. Saunders’ efforts, the Florida Forever program remains true to its original mission, protecting Florida's natural lands while adding some important new objectives, for example, the protection of important rural lands. Sen. Saunders had a key role in making Florida Forever a legislative priority during the 2008 Legislative Session.

Rep. Mayfield and his colleagues in the House are to be commended for including improvements to management of lands acquired under the Florida Forever Program to the bill.

Florida Forever and Preservation 2000 have helped protect more than 2 million acres. The legislature must appropriate funds to launch Florida Forever bonds in the budget each year.

“Our job is not done,” said Danter. “We must ensure that funds are spent on the highest conservation priorities, and we must continue to make the case for Florida Forever every day.”

Learn more about how to contact your legislators about supporting conservation in Florida.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. With funding from the Florida Forever program and our generous donors the Conservancy has helped protect more than 1.2 million acres in Florida since 1961. Visit us on the Web at nature.org/florida.