Protect Florida Conservation Lands

On April 22, 2026, SB546/HB441 Conservation Lands officially became law in Florida! This law benefits coastal resilience, water quality, and outdoor recreation by improving transparency and accountability in decision-making about state conservation lands.

Sponsored by Senators Debbie Mayfield and Gayle Harrell and Representatives Kim Kendall and Allison Tant, the new law requires specific information for conservation land transactions to be made public at least 30 days before consideration. The legislation will require appraisals of the parcels and clear statements about conservation purpose are available for public review well before exchanges or sales are considered. These practical improvements to state law will facilitate informed decision-making and the opportunity for meaningful public engagement.

The effort to pass this bill began after the successful passage of the State Park Preservation Act in 2025 and a troubling proposal for a land swap in Northeast Florida. In May 2025, the Surfrider Foundation First Coast Chapter was shocked to see 600 acres of the Guana River Wildlife Management Area proposed for exchange into private ownership. Audubon Florida flagged the notification of the proposed land swap, published less than a week before the Acquisition and Restoration Council planned to consider and provide an official recommendation. Further, little information was available regarding the assessment of the proposed land up for exchange, including conservation purpose and ecological trade-offs, and the plans for the 600 acres of Guana that would be under private ownership.

With little time and sparse information about the swap or future plans for the parcels, Surfrider joined many partner organizations -- including Audubon Florida, 1000 Friends of Florida, Florida Wildlife Federation, and Sierra Club Florida -- and Floridians across the state speaking out in opposition to the rushed and vague proposal. While the applicant ultimately withdrew the proposal, the proposed land swap and process revealed serious gaps in state law.

Conservation land provides vital and tangible contributions to Florida’s coastal resilience, water quality, habitat and species protection, and recreational opportunities. These lands serve as natural buffers and water filtration amidst rising sea levels and flooding.

Many Floridians and visitors seek out and enjoy our state’s public conservation lands because they are undeveloped and provide incredible opportunities to be in and experience wild landscapes that are increasingly rare in a state of significant growth. It is crucial that our state law governing conservation lands reflects the immense public interest in safeguarding the resilience benefits, ecological value, and invaluable experiences these lands provide.

Surfrider engaged with state legislators and leaders to oppose the Guana Land Swap and champion this conservation land legislation into law. Advocates from Surfrider chapters and clubs went to Tallahassee and met with bill sponsors and co-sponsors during Florida Healthy Beaches Day in February 2026. Surfrider's Florida network took action throughout session to support this legislation through its committee stops and final votes in the Senate and House. We celebrate this important victory for Florida's public, wild lands!

Our Work Supporting Conservation Lands Continues: Surfrider Urges Restored Funding for Florida Forever in the Proposed 2026-27 Budget

The House budgets proposes ZERO dollars for Florida Forever, the state program for purchasing conservation lands. The Senate budget proposed just $35 million for Florida Forever and restricts what kinds of land purchases can be made. These lands provide vital recreational, economic, resilience, and environmental benefits statewide.

These proposals are well below the Legislature's 2024 commitment to funding Florida Forever at $100 million annually, Governor DeSantis' recommended $115 million for this year, and historic funding levels of $300 million.

Furthermore, neither proposal reflects the immense value and importance Floridians place on our public conservation lands. The Florida Legislature will finalize the budget from May 11-29 in Tallahassee. The following weeks are critical for securing funding for conservation lands in Florida!

Take Action: Encourage state legislators to fully fund Florida Forever today!