summary
Introduced
01/09/2026
01/09/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to abandoned and historic cemeteries; amending s. 259.105, F.S.; authorizing the use of specified funds deposited in the Florida Forever Trust Fund for the acquisition of lands which preserve certain historic cemeteries; subject to appropriation, authorizing the use of additional funds for the acquisition of such lands; amending s. 704.08, F.S.; requiring the state to be granted an easement for ingress and egress to abandoned cemeteries on private lands for specified purposes; requiring abandoned cemeteries on private lands to be included in the Florida Master Site File; providing that the owner of such private land is entitled to a conservation easement; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill aims to protect and preserve abandoned and historic cemeteries in Florida by amending existing laws. Firstly, it allows funds from the Florida Forever Trust Fund, a program dedicated to environmental land and water conservation, to be used for acquiring lands that preserve historic cemeteries listed in the Florida Master Site File, which is a statewide inventory of significant historical and archaeological sites. Additionally, it authorizes the use of further funds, subject to legislative approval, for acquiring conservation easements on these historic cemeteries. Secondly, the bill establishes a right of ingress and egress for the state to access abandoned cemeteries located on private land for purposes of maintenance, research, and non-invasive searches, after notifying the landowner. It also mandates that any identified abandoned cemetery on private property be added to the Florida Master Site File, and in return, the private landowner will be granted a conservation easement for the cemetery, providing them with a legal protection for that portion of their land.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Now in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee (on 02/04/2026)
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/2026/1479 |
| Analysis - Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1479/Analyses/h1479a.NRD.PDF |
| Analysis - Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1479/Analyses/h1479.NRD.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1479/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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