Decision-Makers
Take the Lead on Land Conservation
No matter your focus—local, state, or federal—whether you’re working at the landscape scale or protecting your own corner of Florida, find the resources and partnerships you need to protect Florida’s Wildlife Corridor and the lands and waters that sustain it.
The Case for Conservation and the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Protects Florida's Drinking Water Supply
Natural lands safeguard aquifers, wetlands, and surface waters that supply drinking water to communities across Florida. More than half of Florida’s
waterways flow through the Wildlife Corridor.
Sustains Working Lands & Local Economies
Conserving agricultural, timber and open lands supports jobs, food production, clean water, and wildlife habitat—strengthening rural economies and the long-term resilience of Florida’s communities. Florida’s Wildlife Corridor supports 114,000 jobs and generates $30 billion in annual revenue through recreation, agriculture, forestry, and other industries.
Balances Growth & Infrastructure Needs
Strategic land protection helps counties and cities manage development pressures while avoiding costly infrastructure expansion.
Reduces Public Costs Over Time
Proactive conservation lowers long-term taxpayer spending on flood control, storm recovery, and water treatment.
Builds Resilience Against Climate Impacts
Natural landscapes buffer communities from flooding, storm surge, extreme heat, and other climate-driven risks. The Corridor is home to two-thirds of Florida’s floodplains which absorb water and reduce flood risks, and its greenspaces keep temperatures cooler than in urban areas.
AUDUBON CORKSCREW SWAMP
How Conservation Is Funded in Florida
Land conservation in Florida is made possible through a combination of public investment, private participation, and voluntary landowner agreements. These funding sources operate at local, state, and federal levels—and often work together—to protect land while supporting water resources, wildlife habitate, agriculture, and growing communities.
Federal Programs & Incentives
Federal conservation programs provide voluntary tools that help landowners protect agricultural and natural lands. Through easements, restoration assistance, and stewardship support, these programs advance wildlife habitat, water protection, and long-term land conservation. In some cases, qualifying conservation agreements may also offer tax benefits.
State Programs
Florida’s state conservation programs—including Florida Forever and the Rural & Family Lands Protection Program—fund both land acquisition and conservation easements. These investments protect wildlife habitat, safeguard water resources, and keep working agricultural lands viable. Since 2021, Florida has invested more than $2 billion in land protection connected to the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
County & Local Initiatives
Local communities play a vital role in conservation. Twenty-five of Florida’s 67 counties have voter-approved land conservation programs that reflect local priorities. In 2024 alone, these initiatives generated $348 million for land protection. Local programs often partner with state and federal efforts to deliver conservation where it matters most.
Private & Nonprofit Participation
Private funders and nonprofit conservation organizations help bring projects to life by contributing funding, technical expertise, and coordination. These partners work alongside landowners and public agencies to move projects forward and support long-term conservation success.
Guidance for County Conservation Efforts
Whether your county is launching a new program or managing an existing one, we're here to help you make the most of conservation funding and community support.
Technical assistance to determine needs and opportunities
Guidance on program implementation and best practices
Support for advisory committees and county staff
Tools to evaluate conservation priorities and funding decisions
County Conservation Toolkit
Download our comprehensive guide for counties implementing land protection programs.
Conservation Outcomes Across Florida
Lasting conservation happens when public investment, nonprofit expertise, landowner participation, and private support come together. The examples below show how private leadership transforms conservation from concept to reality.
in County Conservation Funding (2024)
Local referendums and county conservation programs generated $348 million for land protection in 2024, reflecting strong public support across multiple counties.
Secured for Land Conservation
Since the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021, more than $2 billion has been secured to protect priority conservation lands across the state. The landmark legislation passed with unanimous bipartisan support, affirming Florida’s shared commitment to balancing growth, conservation, and long-term resilience.
acres protected
The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act has helped accelerate conservation across the state, with more than 395,000 acres approved for permanent protection since 2021, including wildlife habitat, water resources, and working lands.
counties have active local land conservation programs in Florida
Across Florida, 25 counties currently operate voter-approved land conservation programs, empowering local communities to protect land that matters most to them. These programs fund conservation projects that safeguard water resources, wildlife habitat, working lands, and community green space—often working alongside state and federal efforts to deliver lasting protection.
Tools to Help You Get Started
Florida Programs
- Florida Forever
- Rural & Family Lands
- DEP & FDACS links
- County referendum programs
Federal Programs
Research & Studies
Live Wildly Foundation sponsors independent studies on land use, water resources, habitat connectivity, and development impacts to inform sound decision-making and advance balanced conservation solutions across Florida.
- Florida Wildlife Corridor Water Benefits Report
- The Florida Wildlife Corridor and Climate Change- Report
- Connecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor- Economic Study
- Florida's Risk from Floodplain Development- Handout
- State Parks in the Florida Wildlife Corridor- Handout
- Florida Wildlife Corridor Landscape Conservation Summit 2023- Report
- UF Florida Wildlife Corridor and Florida Ecological Greenways Network Web Map
- Economics of Rural Land Use in Florida
Leveraging Conservation Funding
Live Wildly helps align conservation funding across all levels—connecting public programs, private partners, and landowners to maximize impact. By coordinating resources and timing, we help ensure that high-priority land protection projects move forward efficiently and deliver long-term benefits for wildlife, water, and communities.
Decision-Maker Impact Stories
How One Leader Has Advanced Florida Conservation Across Two Roles
Few figures have been as consistently present in Florida’s conservation story as Wilton Simpson. As Senate President, he helped pass…
The Lawmakers Behind Florida’s Conservation Gains
Protecting Florida’s natural lands requires long-term commitment and collaboration. In recent years, legislators in both chambers have worked diligently to…
In Lake County, a Commissioner Is Making Conservation a Priority
Conservation starts at the local level. County commissioners shape how communities grow and whether the natural landscapes that define a…
Common Policy Questions
Need Additional Information?
Live Wildly helps connect decision-makers, landowners, investors, and communities with information about conservation programs and partnerships in Florida.