Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces that the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program received a record number of applications from Florida landowners

Florida – Florida’s agricultural landscape is poised for historic preservation as the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) reports a record-breaking number of applications this cycle. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that more than 500 applications were submitted by landowners eager to permanently protect their property from development, covering over 600,000 acres with an estimated total value exceeding $2.1 billion. The surge in interest represents an increase of more than 90% compared to the 2023 application cycle, reflecting the growing commitment of Florida farmers and ranchers to preserve their land for future generations.

“Florida’s working agricultural lands are under increasing pressure from development, and this record-breaking application cycle shows that farmers and ranchers, when given the opportunity, want to preserve their land and way of life,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Florida agriculture is worth defending, and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program gives our farmers and ranchers a viable path to keep their land protected and productive for generations to come.”

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The RFLPP, administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), is designed to protect working agricultural lands through the purchase of rural lands protection easements. These easements prevent future development while allowing farmers and ranchers to continue producing food, timber, and other resources vital to the state’s economy. Unlike traditional land acquisitions, the program does not create a burden on taxpayers, as it purchases development rights rather than taking ownership of the land.

“This program recognizes that our rural lands are increasingly threatened by urban expansion,” Simpson noted. “By working with landowners directly, we are ensuring that these farms and ranches continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and way of life without sacrificing their long-term viability.”

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, RFLPP has already preserved approximately 224,000 acres of working agricultural land. Notably, around 158,000 of these acres have been secured under Commissioner Simpson’s leadership. 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. This funding surge has allowed the department to expand the program and support a growing number of applicants eager to safeguard their land.

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The department will now begin reviewing applications for eligibility, ranking projects based on established criteria before submitting recommendations for final approval to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, which includes the Governor and Cabinet. The goal is to ensure that the lands preserved under RFLPP not only remain productive but also maintain ecological and economic benefits for local communities.

Commissioner Simpson’s experience in land conservation extends beyond his role as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. During his tenure as Senate President, he championed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which sought to protect and connect natural areas, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands across the state. This long-standing commitment to Florida’s rural and natural resources underlines his dedication to balancing economic development with conservation priorities.

The RFLPP also offers a public-facing story map, allowing residents to explore completed projects and see firsthand the impact of preserved lands across the state. This interactive tool highlights the diversity of agricultural operations protected by the program and the scale of Florida’s conservation efforts.

As development pressures continue to increase across Florida, the record number of applications to the RFLPP signals a clear message from landowners: the state’s working agricultural lands are vital and deserve long-term protection. Through this program, Florida aims to preserve the backbone of its agricultural economy while safeguarding the rural landscapes that define much of the state’s heritage.

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