Bill > S1142

This bill modifies Florida's conservation easement law by establishing a process for water management districts to release conservation easements under specific conditions. The bill allows the fee simple owner of a parcel (meaning the full property owner) to apply for the release of a conservation easement if four key criteria are met: the land is less than 15 acres, bordered on three or more sides by impervious surfaces (like roads or buildings), contains no historical or cultural significance, and the owner has secured mitigation credits to offset any lost wetlands through a state mitigation bank. Upon release of the conservation easement, the property's ad valorem taxes (property taxes) will be based on its full market value, and the land can be developed in a manner consistent with the zoning of adjacent properties. The bill aims to provide property owners more flexibility with lands under conservation easements while ensuring environmental protections through mitigation requirements, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1142