The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced that applications are now being accepted from landowners for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). 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.
“Florida’s working agricultural lands are not just fields and pastures — they sustain our economy, nourish our communities, and protect our natural resources,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture 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. Plus, they also voted to approve the 2024 RFLPP’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.
Landowners can submit their application online through January 29, 2025. The department will then review the applications for eligibility.