summary
Introduced
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
In Committee
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the release of conservation easements; amending s. 704.06, F.S.; requiring certain water management districts, upon application by the fee simple owner of a parcel subject to a conservation easement, to release the conservation easement if specified conditions are met; providing for the valuation of the property upon such release; specifying that land released from the conservation easement may be used for development consistent with certain zoning; requiring property owners to assume responsibility for any requirements, including stormwater requirements, in certain circumstances; requiring property owners to comply with all local ordinances, including those related to stormwater management, and seek approval for modification of all permits, including stormwater permits, as applicable; providing applicability; defining the term "proprietary conservation easement"; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill requires water management districts, which are governmental entities responsible for managing water resources, to release conservation easements, which are legal agreements that restrict land use to protect natural resources, on parcels of land under specific conditions. If a parcel is less than 15 acres, surrounded by impervious surfaces (like roads or buildings) on at least three sides, has no historical or cultural significance, and the owner has obtained necessary mitigation credits and compensated the district for any lost wetlands, the district must release the easement. Following the release, property taxes will be based on the land's full value, and it can be developed according to adjacent zoning rules, with the property owner taking responsibility for any development requirements, including stormwater management, and complying with all local ordinances and permit modifications. This provision does not apply to conservation easements within residential developments or to "proprietary conservation easements," which are those not acquired as a condition for a permit.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (House)
Last Action
Now in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (on 01/30/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/673 |
| Analysis - Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/673/Analyses/h0673a.NRD.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/673/BillText/c1/PDF |
| https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/673/Amendment/940337/PDF | |
| Analysis - Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/673/Analyses/h0673.NRD.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/673/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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