‘Blue Ribbon Projects’ bill incentivizing conservation lands clears first committee

Members of the Senate Committee on Community Affairs have approved a proposal aimed at encouraging Florida’s largest private landowners to serve as long-term stewards of the environment.

The measure (SB 354) offers a framework supporters say better aligns growth, conservation and infrastructure planning. It cleared its first committee stop via a 7-1 vote, with Republican Sen. Kathleen Passidomo as the only “no” vote.

“I couldn’t even figure out how to fix it,” she said, calling it “a massive bill that leaves so much out.” She added that she’s willing to continue working with the bill sponsor, Sen. Stan McClain, to improve the bill.

“But it’s going to be a lot,” Passidomo said.

Several environmental groups and home rule hawks spoke against the bill. Other lawmakers on the committee raised concerns they hope to be worked out through the committee process, but most see an opportunity to streamline stagnant development while incentivizing land conservation.

The bill would establish “Blue Ribbon” projects, which would apply to landowners who control or own at least 10,000 or more contiguous acres. The measures would require participating landowners to conserve at least 60% of the property.

Under the bill, the plan must prescribe the development property over a 50-year planning period by meeting strict statutory requirements. Landowners would still have to earn approval from local governments based on compliance with the statutes, including development orders, and concurrency.

Two amendments also passed. One would add “consistent with the public purposes” language in state statute regarding parks, recreational activities, utility sites, reservoirs and lakes, or other uses that support such activities, expanding what would constitute conservation lands under the measure.

The other amendment is more technical and deals with public easements, adding the “consistent with public purposes” language and requiring an agreement between the landowner and the Department of Agriculture “regarding allowable uses for the easement.”

Elizabeth Alvey, Senior Director of Policy with Audubon Florida, was one of the environmental group members to speak against the bill. She said her group appreciates the bill’s intent and, initially, the group had not taken a stance on it. Now, though, Alvey said “the bill raises serious issues.”

She said two amendments filed and approved open the door to cover park land and recreational space, which she said could allow things like baseball diamonds and pickleball courts, things not typically thought of as conservation land.

Nevertheless, she praised McClain for his willingness to continue working to improve the bill and resolve issues, noting that “we have shared language and our ideas with him … and we look forward to working collaboratively to improve this bill.”

The proposal is born of a desire to implement smart growth strategies by ensuring growth occurs only where it can be supported. The proposal requires phased planning for water, wastewater, transportation, schools and utilities.

The stated Blue Ribbon project goals are to protect wildlife and natural areas; limit urban sprawl; provide a range of housing options including missing middle and affordable housing; create quality communities designed to reduce vehicle trips and promote multiple mobility options; and enhance local economic development objectives and job creation.

The measure also emphasizes sustainability beyond just conservation lands by ensuring new development supports population density in compact communities that are multi-mobility focused. It also seeks to ensure the state is a good steward of taxpayer dollars by allowing conservation lands to be secured without public dollars.

Rep. Lauren Melo is sponsoring the House version of the bill (HB 299). It awaits a hearing in the House Commerce Committee, followed by the State Affairs Committee.

The Senate bill still awaits hearings in the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development, followed by Rules.