House ‘Blue Ribbon’ projects land preservation bill takes next step toward passage

A measure that would encourage Florida’s largest private landowners to serve as long-term stewards of the environment has cleared its second House Committee, leaving just one stop before it’s teed up for a floor vote.

The bill (HB 299) from Rep. Lauren Melo offers a framework supporters say better aligns growth, conservation and infrastructure planning. It would establish “Blue Ribbon” projects, which would apply to landowners who control or own at least 10,000 or more contiguous acres.

The language would require participating landowners to conserve at least 60% of the property. It cleared the House Commerce Committee on a bipartisan vote, with two Republicans — Reps. Erika Booth and Jason Shoaf — casting the only “no” votes.

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.

Melo offered a passionate case for her bill, noting that it was not a giveaway to developers, but rather an opportunity to preserve land and ensure smart growth. She recalled growing up in a rural community, chasing quail and learning to drive a Bronco with the iconic “three on the tree” gear shifter. Those opportunities are now mostly gone, she lamented.

“In my district, where I have beautiful cattle ranches with hundreds of white-tailed deer, that land is maintained, it’s mowed, it’s treated for exotics, but there is every species of wildlife on it. Not far from it is now gated communities and luxury condos, which I don’t believe should be in my district, which is a very rural district,” she said.

While the bill has faced some opposition along its path, critics praised an amendment that was added to the bill clarifying language and offering certain guardrails.

Elizabeth Alvi, Senior Director of Policy for Audubon Florida, didn’t offer support or opposition to the measure, but praised the amendment for “prohibiting golf courses, data centers and solar fields within the reserve.” She said that would ensure the conservation lands acquired under the legislation would “remain focused on long-term conservation and values.”

She also praised the amendment for limiting parks allowed under the bill to passive uses and for allowing rural and family land easements to be acquired by donation.

And Eric Poole, executive director for county government for the Florida Association of Counties, also offered praise for changes made to the bill as it navigates the legislative process.

“The amendment also provides for local government planning and zoning review and County Commission review. That is something we think is very positive,” Poole said, adding that he was also pleased to see the bill evolve to allow Blue Ribbon projects “to be a part of the comprehensive plan amendment process” for local governments.

While Poole said he appreciates the amendments, he was still hoping for additional guardrails before being able to fully support the legislation.

An identical version of the bill in the Senate (SB 354) from Sen. Stan McClain is awaiting its final Committee stop in the Senate Rules Committee.