Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announces permanent preservation of Double Eagle Ranch to protect working agricultural lands in Volusia County

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced a significant milestone in the preservation of the state’s working agricultural lands with the permanent protection of Double Eagle Ranch in Volusia County. Through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, approximately 958 acres of productive farmland and timberland are now permanently safeguarded from development, ensuring that the property will remain a working agricultural operation for generations to come.

“Permanently preserving Double Eagle Ranch is another major victory in our effort to protect Florida’s working agricultural lands,” said Commissioner Simpson. “Through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, we’re safeguarding Florida’s food producers while keeping the land in private, working hands. This is exactly how we protect Florida’s food supply, conserve our natural resources, and keep our state’s farms and ranches strong for generations to come.”

Double Eagle Ranch is an active agricultural property featuring planted timber and open wetlands, reflecting a mix of productive land and conservation value. The surrounding landscape includes similar timber operations and wetlands, while residential development is concentrated along the western boundary. According to the University of Florida’s Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, a substantial portion of the area adjacent to the western edge is projected for development by 2040, highlighting the importance of permanent preservation efforts like this one.

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The preservation of Double Eagle Ranch is part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which purchases development rights from willing landowners through voluntary rural lands protection easements. These easements prevent future development of the land while allowing agricultural operations to continue contributing to Florida’s economy. The program has long recognized the importance of maintaining working farms and ranches, not only as food and timber producers but also as vital components of the state’s natural resource conservation strategy.

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program has safeguarded more than 213,000 acres of working agricultural land across Florida. During Commissioner Simpson’s administration alone, over 148,000 acres have been preserved, representing a significant investment in the state’s agricultural future. Since 2022, Simpson has helped secure more than $700 million in state funding for the program, including $250 million allocated in the 2025/2026 state budget, underscoring the state’s commitment to protecting Florida’s farms and ranches.

Commissioner Simpson’s dedication to land conservation predates his current role. As Senate President, he championed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which directed the state to better protect and connect natural areas and wildlife habitats while preserving working agricultural lands from future development. His ongoing leadership reflects a long-term vision of balancing agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Florida’s natural and economic resources are preserved for future generations.

The preservation of Double Eagle Ranch also aligns with broader conservation goals, emphasizing the protection of wetlands, natural landscapes, and timber operations while preventing urban sprawl from encroaching on productive lands. By maintaining these working lands, the state continues to secure Florida’s food supply, timber resources, and economic stability, all while promoting sustainable land management practices.

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be accessed at FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap, offering the public an interactive way to explore preserved lands throughout Florida. This transparency allows citizens to see the tangible results of conservation funding and the ongoing effort to protect agricultural lands across the state.

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Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services continue to advocate for strong partnerships with farmers, ranchers, and local communities. These collaborations are critical to preserving the state’s rural heritage while fostering sustainable production practices that benefit both the environment and Florida’s economy.

With the permanent preservation of Double Eagle Ranch, Florida takes another important step in protecting its working lands, conserving natural resources, and ensuring that agriculture remains a vital and sustainable part of the state’s future. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, under Simpson’s leadership, demonstrates a long-term commitment to balancing growth, development, and conservation across Florida’s landscapes.

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