The Florida Senate

259.01  Short title.

259.02  Authority; full faith and credit bonds.

259.03  Definitions.

259.032  Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund; purpose.

259.0322  Reinstitution of payments in lieu of taxes; duration.

259.0345  Florida Forever Advisory Council.

259.035  Acquisition and Restoration Council.

259.036  Management review teams.

259.037  Land Management Uniform Accounting Council.

259.04  Board; powers and duties.

259.041  Acquisition of state-owned lands for preservation, conservation, and recreation purposes.

259.045  Purchase of lands in areas of critical state concern; recommendations by department and land authorities.

259.05  Issuance of bonds.

259.06  Construction.

259.07  Public meetings.

259.101  Florida Preservation 2000 Act.

259.105  The Florida Forever Act.

259.1051  Florida Forever Trust Fund.

259.01  Short title.--This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Land Conservation Act of 1972."

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-300.

259.02  Authority; full faith and credit bonds.--Pursuant to the provisions of s. 11(a), Art. VII of the State Constitution and s. 215.59, the issuance of state bonds pledging the full faith and credit of the state in the principal amount, including any refinancing, not to exceed $200 million for state capital projects for environmentally endangered lands and $40 million for state capital projects for outdoor recreation lands is hereby authorized, subject to the provisions of ss. 259.01-259.06.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-300.

259.03  Definitions.--The following terms and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1)  "Council" means that council established pursuant to s. 259.035.

(2)  "Board" means the Governor and Cabinet, as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

(3)  "Capital improvement" or "capital project expenditure" means those activities relating to the acquisition, restoration, public access, and recreational uses of such lands, water areas, and related resources deemed necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: the initial removal of invasive plants; the construction, improvement, enlargement or extension of facilities' signs, firelanes, access roads, and trails; or any other activities that serve to restore, conserve, protect, or provide public access, recreational opportunities, or necessary services for land or water areas. Such activities shall be identified prior to the acquisition of a parcel or the approval of a project. The continued expenditures necessary for a capital improvement approved under this subsection shall not be eligible for funding provided in this chapter.

(4)  "Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection.

(5)  "Division" means the Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration.

(6)  "Water resource development project" means a project eligible for funding pursuant to s. 259.105 that increases the amount of water available to meet the needs of natural systems and the citizens of the state by enhancing or restoring aquifer recharge, facilitating the capture and storage of excess flows in surface waters, or promoting reuse. The implementation of eligible projects under s. 259.105 includes land acquisition, land and water body restoration, aquifer storage and recovery facilities, surface water reservoirs, and other capital improvements. The term does not include construction of treatment, transmission, or distribution facilities.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-300; s. 13, ch. 79-255; s. 2, ch. 81-210; s. 10, ch. 89-116; s. 193, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 12, ch. 99-247; s. 6, ch. 2000-170.

259.032  Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund; purpose.--

(1)  It is the policy of the state that the citizens of this state shall be assured public ownership of natural areas for purposes of maintaining this state's unique natural resources; protecting air, land, and water quality; promoting water resource development to meet the needs of natural systems and citizens of this state; promoting restoration activities on public lands; and providing lands for natural resource based recreation. In recognition of this policy, it is the intent of the Legislature to provide such public lands for the people residing in urban and metropolitan areas of the state, as well as those residing in less populated, rural areas. It is the further intent of the Legislature, with regard to the lands described in paragraph (3)(c), that a high priority be given to the acquisition of such lands in or near counties exhibiting the greatest concentration of population and, with regard to the lands described in subsection (3), that a high priority be given to acquiring lands or rights or interests in lands within any area designated as an area of critical state concern under s. 380.05 which, in the judgment of the advisory council established pursuant to s. 259.035, or its successor, cannot be adequately protected by application of land development regulations adopted pursuant to s. 380.05. Finally, it is the Legislature's intent that lands acquired through this program and any successor programs be managed in such a way as to protect or restore their natural resource values, and provide the greatest benefit, including public access, to the citizens of this state.

(2)(a)  The Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund is established within the Department of Environmental Protection. The fund shall be used as a nonlapsing, revolving fund exclusively for the purposes of this section. The fund shall be credited with proceeds from the following excise taxes:

1.  The excise taxes on documents as provided in s. 201.15; and

2.  The excise tax on the severance of phosphate rock as provided in s. 211.3103.

The Department of Revenue shall credit to the fund each month the proceeds from such taxes as provided in this paragraph.

(b)  There shall annually be transferred from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund that amount, not to exceed $20 million annually, as shall be necessary to pay the debt service on, or fund debt service reserve funds, rebate obligations, or other amounts with respect to bonds issued pursuant to s. 375.051 to acquire lands on the established priority list developed pursuant to this section; however, no moneys transferred to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to this paragraph, or earnings thereon, shall be used or made available to pay debt service on the Save Our Coast revenue bonds. Amounts transferred annually from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to this paragraph shall have the highest priority over other payments or transfers from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund, and no other payments or transfers shall be made from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund until such transfers to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund have been made. Effective July 1, 2001, moneys in the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund also shall be used to manage lands and to pay for related costs, activities, and functions pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(3)  The Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, may allocate moneys from the fund in any one year to acquire the fee or any lesser interest in lands for the following public purposes:

(a)  To conserve and protect environmentally unique and irreplaceable lands that contain native, relatively unaltered flora and fauna representing a natural area unique to, or scarce within, a region of this state or a larger geographic area;

(b)  To conserve and protect lands within designated areas of critical state concern, if the proposed acquisition relates to the natural resource protection purposes of the designation;

(c)  To conserve and protect native species habitat or endangered or threatened species, emphasizing long-term protection for endangered or threatened species designated G-1 or G-2 by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory, and especially those areas that are special locations for breeding and reproduction;

(d)  To conserve, protect, manage, or restore important ecosystems, landscapes, and forests, if the protection and conservation of such lands is necessary to enhance or protect significant surface water, groundwater, coastal, recreational, timber, or fish or wildlife resources which cannot otherwise be accomplished through local and state regulatory programs;

(e)  To promote water resource development that benefits natural systems and citizens of the state;

(f)  To facilitate the restoration and subsequent health and vitality of the Florida Everglades;

(g)  To provide areas, including recreational trails, for natural resource based recreation and other outdoor recreation on any part of any site compatible with conservation purposes;

(h)  To preserve significant archaeological or historic sites; or

(i)  To conserve urban open spaces suitable for greenways or outdoor recreation which are compatible with conservation purposes.

(4)  Lands acquired under this section shall be for use as state-designated parks, recreation areas, preserves, reserves, historic or archaeological sites, geologic or botanical sites, recreational trails, forests, wilderness areas, wildlife management areas, urban open space, or other state-designated recreation or conservation lands; or they shall qualify for such state designation and use if they are to be managed by other governmental agencies or nonstate entities as provided for in this section.

(5)  The board of trustees may allocate, in any year, an amount not to exceed 5 percent of the money credited to the fund in that year, such allocation to be used for the initiation and maintenance of a natural areas inventory to aid in the identification of areas to be acquired pursuant to this section.

(6)  Moneys in the fund not needed to meet obligations incurred under this section shall be deposited with the Treasurer to the credit of the fund and may be invested in the manner provided by law. Interest received on such investments shall be credited to the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund.

(7)  The board of trustees may enter into any contract necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section. The lead land managing agencies designated by the board of trustees also are directed by the Legislature to enter into contracts or interagency agreements with other governmental entities, including local soil and water conservation districts, or private land managers who have the expertise to perform specific management activities which a lead agency lacks, or which would cost more to provide in-house. Such activities shall include, but not be limited to, controlled burning, road and ditch maintenance, mowing, and wildlife assessments.

(8)  Lands to be considered for purchase under this section are subject to the selection procedures of s. 259.035 and related rules and shall be acquired in accordance with acquisition procedures for state lands provided for in s. 259.041, except as otherwise provided by the Legislature. An inholding or an addition to a project selected for purchase pursuant to this chapter is not subject to the selection procedures of s. 259.035 if the estimated value of such inholding or addition does not exceed $500,000. When at least 90 percent of the acreage of a project has been purchased pursuant to this chapter, the project may be removed from the list and the remaining acreage may continue to be purchased. Moneys from the fund may be used for title work, appraisal fees, environmental audits, and survey costs related to acquisition expenses for lands to be acquired, donated, or exchanged which qualify under the categories of this section, at the discretion of the board. When the Legislature has authorized the Department of Environmental Protection to condemn a specific parcel of land and such parcel has already been approved for acquisition under this section, the land may be acquired in accordance with the provisions of chapter 73 or chapter 74, and the fund may be used to pay the condemnation award and all costs, including a reasonable attorney's fee, associated with condemnation.

(9)  All lands managed under this chapter and s. 253.034 shall be:

(a)  Managed in a manner that will provide the greatest combination of benefits to the public and to the resources.

(b)  Managed for public outdoor recreation which is compatible with the conservation and protection of public lands. Such management may include, but not be limited to, the following public recreational uses: fishing, hunting, camping, bicycling, hiking, nature study, swimming, boating, canoeing, horseback riding, diving, model hobbyist activities, birding, sailing, jogging, and other related outdoor activities compatible with the purposes for which the lands were acquired.

(c)  Managed for the purposes for which the lands were acquired, consistent with paragraph (11)(a).

(d)  Concurrent with its adoption of the annual Conservation and Recreation Lands list of acquisition projects pursuant to s. 259.035, the board of trustees shall adopt a management prospectus for each project. The management prospectus shall delineate:

1.  The management goals for the property;

2.  The conditions that will affect the intensity of management;

3.  An estimate of the revenue-generating potential of the property, if appropriate;

4.  A timetable for implementing the various stages of management and for providing access to the public, if applicable;

5.  A description of potential multiple-use activities as described in this section and s. 253.034;

6.  Provisions for protecting existing infrastructure and for ensuring the security of the project upon acquisition;

7.  The anticipated costs of management and projected sources of revenue, including legislative appropriations, to fund management needs; and

8.  Recommendations as to how many employees will be needed to manage the property, and recommendations as to whether local governments, volunteer groups, the former landowner, or other interested parties can be involved in the management.

(e)  Concurrent with the approval of the acquisition contract pursuant to s. 259.041(3)(c) for any interest in lands, the board of trustees shall designate an agency or agencies to manage such lands and shall evaluate and amend, as appropriate, the management policy statement for the project as provided by s. 259.035, consistent with the purposes for which the lands are acquired. For any fee simple acquisition of a parcel which is or will be leased back for agricultural purposes, or any acquisition of a less-than-fee interest in land that is or will be used for agricultural purposes, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund shall first consider having a soil and water conservation district, created pursuant to chapter 582, manage and monitor such interests.

(f)  State agencies designated to manage lands acquired under this chapter may contract with local governments and soil and water conservation districts to assist in management activities, including the responsibility of being the lead land manager. Such land management contracts may include a provision for the transfer of management funding to the local government or soil and water conservation district from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund in an amount adequate for the local government or soil and water conservation district to perform its contractual land management responsibilities and proportionate to its responsibilities, and which otherwise would have been expended by the state agency to manage the property.

(g)  Immediately following the acquisition of any interest in lands under this chapter, the Department of Environmental Protection, acting on behalf of the board of trustees, may issue to the lead managing entity an interim assignment letter to be effective until the execution of a formal lease.

(10)(a)  State, regional, or local governmental agencies or private entities designated to manage lands under this section shall develop and adopt, with the approval of the board of trustees, an individual management plan for each project designed to conserve and protect such lands and their associated natural resources. Private sector involvement in management plan development may be used to expedite the planning process.

(b)  Individual management plans required by s. 253.034(5), for parcels over 160 acres, shall be developed with input from an advisory group. Members of this advisory group shall include, at a minimum, representatives of the lead land managing agency, comanaging entities, local private property owners, the appropriate soil and water conservation district, a local conservation organization, and a local elected official. The advisory group shall conduct at least one public hearing within the county in which the parcel or project is located. For those parcels or projects that are within more than one county, at least one areawide public hearing shall be acceptable and the lead managing agency shall invite a local elected official from each county. The areawide public hearing shall be held in the county in which the core parcels are located. Notice of such public hearing shall be posted on the parcel or project designated for management, advertised in a paper of general circulation, and announced at a scheduled meeting of the local governing body before the actual public hearing. The management prospectus required pursuant to paragraph (9)(d) shall be available to the public for a period of 30 days prior to the public hearing.

(c)  Once a plan is adopted, the managing agency or entity shall update the plan at least every 5 years in a form and manner prescribed by rule of the board of trustees. Such updates, for parcels over 160 acres, shall be developed with input from an advisory group. Such plans may include transfers of leasehold interests to appropriate conservation organizations or governmental entities designated by the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council or its successor, for uses consistent with the purposes of the organizations and the protection, preservation, conservation, restoration, and proper management of the lands and their resources. Volunteer management assistance is encouraged, including, but not limited to, assistance by youths participating in programs sponsored by state or local agencies, by volunteers sponsored by environmental or civic organizations, and by individuals participating in programs for committed delinquents and adults.

(d)  For each project for which lands are acquired after July 1, 1995, an individual management plan shall be adopted and in place no later than 1 year after the essential parcel or parcels identified in the annual Conservation and Recreation Lands report prepared pursuant to s. 259.035(2)(a) have been acquired. Beginning in fiscal year 1998-1999, the Department of Environmental Protection shall distribute only 75 percent of the acquisition funds to which a budget entity or water management district would otherwise be entitled from the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund to any budget entity or any water management district that has more than one-third of its management plans overdue.

(e)  Individual management plans shall conform to the appropriate policies and guidelines of the state land management plan and shall include, but not be limited to:

1.  A statement of the purpose for which the lands were acquired, the projected use or uses as defined in s. 253.034, and the statutory authority for such use or uses.

2.  Key management activities necessary to preserve and protect natural resources and restore habitat, and for controlling the spread of nonnative plants and animals, and for prescribed fire and other appropriate resource management activities.

3.  A specific description of how the managing agency plans to identify, locate, protect, and preserve, or otherwise use fragile, nonrenewable natural and cultural resources.

4.  A priority schedule for conducting management activities, based on the purposes for which the lands were acquired.

5.  A cost estimate for conducting priority management activities, to include recommendations for cost-effective methods of accomplishing those activities.

6.  A cost estimate for conducting other management activities which would enhance the natural resource value or public recreation value for which the lands were acquired. The cost estimate shall include recommendations for cost-effective methods of accomplishing those activities.

7.  A determination of the public uses and public access that would be consistent with the purposes for which the lands were acquired.

(f)  The Division of State Lands shall submit a copy of each individual management plan for parcels which exceed 160 acres in size to each member of the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council or its successor, which shall:

1.  Within 60 days after receiving a plan from the division, review each plan for compliance with the requirements of this subsection and with the requirements of the rules established by the board pursuant to this subsection.

2.  Consider the propriety of the recommendations of the managing agency with regard to the future use or protection of the property.

3.  After its review, submit the plan, along with its recommendations and comments, to the board of trustees, with recommendations as to whether to approve the plan as submitted, approve the plan with modifications, or reject the plan.

(g)  The board of trustees shall consider the individual management plan submitted by each state agency and the recommendations of the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council, or its successor, and the Division of State Lands and shall approve the plan with or without modification or reject such plan. The use or possession of any lands owned by the board of trustees which is not in accordance with an approved individual management plan is subject to termination by the board of trustees.

By July 1 of each year, each governmental agency and each private entity designated to manage lands shall report to the Secretary of Environmental Protection on the progress of funding, staffing, and resource management of every project for which the agency or entity is responsible.

(11)(a)  The Legislature recognizes that acquiring lands pursuant to this chapter serves the public interest by protecting land, air, and water resources which contribute to the public health and welfare, providing areas for natural resource based recreation, and ensuring the survival of unique and irreplaceable plant and animal species. The Legislature intends for these lands to be managed and maintained for the purposes for which they were acquired and for the public to have access to and use of these lands where it is consistent with acquisition purposes and would not harm the resources the state is seeking to protect on the public's behalf.

(b)  An amount up to 1.5 percent of the cumulative total of funds ever deposited into the Florida Preservation 2000 Trust Fund and the Florida Forever Trust Fund shall be made available for the purposes of management, maintenance, and capital improvements not eligible for funding pursuant to s. 11(e), Art. VII of the State Constitution, and for associated contractual services, for lands acquired pursuant to this section, s. 259.101, s. 259.105, or previous programs for the acquisition of lands for conservation and recreation, including state forests, to which title is vested in the board of trustees and other conservation and recreation lands managed by a state agency. Of this amount, $250,000 shall be transferred annually to the Plant Industry Trust Fund within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the purpose of implementing the Endangered or Threatened Native Flora Conservation Grants Program pursuant to s. 581.185(11). Each agency with management responsibilities shall annually request from the Legislature funds sufficient to fulfill such responsibilities. For the purposes of this paragraph, capital improvements shall include, but need not be limited to, perimeter fencing, signs, firelanes, access roads and trails, and minimal public accommodations, such as primitive campsites, garbage receptacles, and toilets. Any equipment purchased with funds provided pursuant to this paragraph may be used for the purposes described in this paragraph on any conservation and recreation lands managed by a state agency.

(c)  In requesting funds provided for in paragraph (b) for long-term management of all acquisitions pursuant to this chapter and for associated contractual services, the managing agencies shall recognize the following categories of land management needs:

1.  Lands which are low-need tracts, requiring basic resource management and protection, such as state reserves, state preserves, state forests, and wildlife management areas. These lands generally are open to the public but have no more than minimum facilities development.

2.  Lands which are moderate-need tracts, requiring more than basic resource management and protection, such as state parks and state recreation areas. These lands generally have extra restoration or protection needs, higher concentrations of public use, or more highly developed facilities.

3.  Lands which are high-need tracts, with identified needs requiring unique site-specific resource management and protection. These lands generally are sites with historic significance, unique natural features, or very high intensity public use, or sites that require extra funds to stabilize or protect resources, such as lands with heavy infestations of nonnative, invasive plants.

In evaluating the management funding needs of lands based on the above categories, the lead land managing agencies shall include in their considerations the impacts of, and needs created or addressed by, multiple-use management strategies.

(d)  All revenues generated through multiple-use management or compatible secondary-use management shall be returned to the lead agency responsible for such management and shall be used to pay for management activities on all conservation, preservation, and recreation lands under the agency's jurisdiction. In addition, such revenues shall be segregated in an agency trust fund and shall remain available to the agency in subsequent fiscal years to support land management appropriations. For the purposes of this paragraph, compatible secondary-use management shall be those activities described in subsection (9) undertaken on parcels designated as single use pursuant to s. 253.034(2)(b).

(e)  Up to one-fifth of the funds provided for in paragraph (b) shall be reserved by the board of trustees for interim management of acquisitions and for associated contractual services, to ensure the conservation and protection of natural resources on project sites and to allow limited public recreational use of lands. Interim management activities may include, but not be limited to, resource assessments, control of invasive, nonnative species, habitat restoration, fencing, law enforcement, controlled burning, and public access consistent with preliminary determinations made pursuant to paragraph (9)(g). The board of trustees shall make these interim funds available immediately upon purchase.

(f)  The department shall set long-range and annual goals for the control and removal of nonnative, invasive plant species on public lands. Such goals shall differentiate between aquatic plant species and upland plant species. In setting such goals, the department may rank, in order of adverse impact, species that impede or destroy the functioning of natural systems. Notwithstanding paragraph (a), up to one-fourth of the funds provided for in paragraph (b) may be used by the agencies receiving those funds for control and removal of nonnative, invasive species on public lands.

¹(12)(a)  Beginning July 1, 1999, the Legislature shall make available sufficient funds annually from the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund to the department for payment in lieu of taxes to qualifying counties and local governments as defined in paragraph (b) for all actual tax losses incurred as a result of board of trustees acquisitions for state agencies under the Florida Forever program or the Florida Preservation 2000 program during any year. Reserved funds not used for payments in lieu of taxes in any year shall revert to the fund to be used for land acquisition in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(b)  Payment in lieu of taxes shall be available:

1.  To all counties that have a population of 150,000 or fewer. Population levels shall be determined pursuant to s. 11.031.

2.  To all local governments located in eligible counties.

3.  To Glades County, where a privately owned and operated prison leased to the state has recently been opened and where privately owned and operated juvenile justice facilities leased to the state have recently been constructed and opened, a payment in lieu of taxes, in an amount that offsets the loss of property tax revenue, which funds have already been appropriated and allocated from the Department of Correction's budget for the purpose of reimbursing amounts equal to lost ad valorem taxes.

Counties and local governments that did not receive payments in lieu of taxes for lands purchased pursuant to s. 259.101 during fiscal year 1999-2000, if such counties and local governments would have received payments pursuant to this subsection as that section existed on June 30, 1999, shall receive retroactive payments for such tax losses.

(c)  If insufficient funds are available in any year to make full payments to all qualifying counties and local governments, such counties and local governments shall receive a pro rata share of the moneys available.

(d)  The payment amount shall be based on the average amount of actual taxes paid on the property for the 3 years preceding acquisition. Applications for payment in lieu of taxes shall be made no later than January 31 of the year following acquisition. No payment in lieu of taxes shall be made for properties which were exempt from ad valorem taxation for the year immediately preceding acquisition. If property which was subject to ad valorem taxation was acquired by a tax-exempt entity for ultimate conveyance to the state under this chapter, payment in lieu of taxes shall be made for such property based upon the average amount of taxes paid on the property for the 3 years prior to its being removed from the tax rolls. The department shall certify to the Department of Revenue those properties that may be eligible under this provision. Once eligibility has been established, that county or local government shall receive 10 consecutive annual payments for each tax loss, and no further eligibility determination shall be made during that period.

(e)  Payment in lieu of taxes pursuant to this subsection shall be made annually to qualifying counties and local governments after certification by the Department of Revenue that the amounts applied for are reasonably appropriate, based on the amount of actual taxes paid on the eligible property, and after the Department of Environmental Protection has provided supporting documents to the Comptroller and has requested that payment be made in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(f)  If the board of trustees conveys to a local government title to any land owned by the board, any payments in lieu of taxes on the land made to the local government shall be discontinued as of the date of the conveyance.

For the purposes of this subsection, "local government" includes municipalities, the county school board, mosquito control districts, and any other local government entity which levies ad valorem taxes, with the exception of a water management district.

(13)  Moneys credited to the fund each year which are not used for management, maintenance, or capital improvements pursuant to subsection (11); for payment in lieu of taxes pursuant to subsection (12); or for the purposes of subsection (5) shall be available for the acquisition of land pursuant to this section.

(14)  The board of trustees may adopt rules to further define the categories of land for acquisition under this chapter.

²(15)  For fiscal year 2000-2001 only, moneys credited to the fund may be appropriated to provide grants to qualified local governmental entities pursuant to the provisions of s. 375.075. This subsection is repealed on July 1, 2001.

(16)  Within 90 days after receiving a certified letter from the owner of a property on the Conservation and Recreation Lands list or the priority list established pursuant to s. 259.105 objecting to the property being included in an acquisition project, where such property is a project or part of a project which has not been listed for purchase in the current year's land acquisition work plan, the board of trustees shall delete the property from the list or from the boundary of an acquisition project on the list.

History.--s. 8, ch. 79-255; s. 16, ch. 80-356; s. 5, ch. 81-35; s. 1, ch. 81-210; s. 165, ch. 81-259; s. 1, ch. 82-152; s. 2, ch. 83-80; s. 1, ch. 83-114; s. 10, ch. 84-330; s. 13, ch. 86-178; s. 6, ch. 86-294; s. 1, ch. 87-96; s. 1, ch. 88-387; s. 13, ch. 89-116; s. 1, ch. 89-276; s. 2, ch. 90-1; s. 8, ch. 90-217; s. 1, ch. 91-62; s. 5, ch. 91-420; s. 2, ch. 92-288; s. 45, ch. 93-206; s. 4, ch. 94-197; s. 1, ch. 94-212; s. 1, ch. 94-240; s. 65, ch. 94-356; s. 5, ch. 95-349; ss. 19, 20, ch. 95-430; s. 3, ch. 96-389; s. 19, ch. 96-420; s. 23, ch. 97-94; ss. 27, 29, ch. 97-153; s. 6, ch. 97-164; ss. 26, 38, ch. 98-46; s. 10, ch. 99-4; s. 34, ch. 99-13; ss. 28, 33, 53, ch. 99-228; s. 13, ch. 99-247; s. 20, ch. 99-292; s. 7, ch. 2000-170; s. 61, ch. 2000-171.

¹Note.--Section 7, ch. 2000-170, amended paragraph (12)(b) without publishing the flush left language at the end of subsection (12). Absent affirmative evidence of legislative intent to repeal it, the flush left language is published here, pending clarification by the Legislature.

²Note.--Section 61, ch. 2000-171, amended subsection (15) "[i]n order to implement Specific Appropriation 1641A of the 2000-2001 General Appropriations Act."

Note.--Former s. 253.023.

¹259.0322  Reinstitution of payments in lieu of taxes; duration.--If the Department of Environmental Protection or a water management district has made a payment in lieu of taxes to a governmental entity and subsequently suspended such payment, the department or water management district shall reinstitute appropriate payments and continue the payments in consecutive years until the governmental entity has received a total of 10 payments for each tax loss.

History.--s. 52, ch. 99-247; s. 6, ch. 99-353.

¹Note.--Also published at s. 373.5905.

259.0345  Florida Forever Advisory Council.--

(1)(a)  There is hereby created the Florida Forever Advisory Council, consisting of seven residents of this state who shall be appointed by the Governor. The appointments shall include one member from within the geographic boundaries of each water management district who has resided in the district for at least 1 year. The remaining appointments shall come from the state at large. The membership of the council shall be representative of agriculture, the development community, local government, the environmental community, and the scientific and technical community who have substantial experience in areas of land, water, and wildlife management and other related areas.

(b)  The members appointed by the Governor shall serve 3-year terms, except that, initially, to provide for staggered terms, three of the appointees shall serve 2-year terms. No appointee shall serve more than 6 years. The Governor may at any time fill a vacancy for the unexpired term of a member appointed under paragraph (a).

(c)  Additionally, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each appoint one ad hoc nonvoting member from their respective chambers. Such members shall be appointed from a standing committee that has a jurisdictional responsibility for the Department of Environmental Protection. These appointees shall serve for the duration of the term of the appointing President or Speaker.

(d)  No person who is or has been a lobbyist as defined in s. 112.3148, at any time during the 24 months preceding appointment to the council, for any entity whose interests could be affected by actions or decisions of the council, shall be appointed to the council.

(e)  The council shall, at a minimum, meet twice a year.

(2)  The Governor shall appoint the chair of the council, and a vice chair shall be elected from among the voting members.

(3)  Each member of the council shall receive $75 per day while engaged in the business of the council, as well as expenses and per diem for travel, including attendance at meetings, as provided in s. 112.061.

(4)  The department shall provide primary staff support to the council and shall ensure that council meetings are electronically recorded. Such recordings shall be preserved pursuant to chapters 119 and 257. The department may adopt any rule or form necessary to implement this section.

(5)  The department shall execute a contract with the Florida Natural Areas Inventory for the scientific assistance necessary to fulfill the requirements of this section.

(6)  The department may request the assistance of other state agencies, water management districts, or universities to provide information or expertise to the council.

(7)  The council shall provide a report, by December 15, 2000, to the Secretary of Environmental Protection, who shall forward the report to the board of trustees for their approval. After approval by the board of trustees, the secretary shall forward the approved report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, prior to the beginning of the 2001 Regular Legislative Session, for review by the appropriate substantive legislative committee from which the Florida Forever Act originated, or its successor. The Legislature may reject, modify, or take no action relative to the goals and performance measures established by the report. If no action is taken, the goals and performance measures shall be implemented. The report shall meet the following requirements solely with respect to the funding provided pursuant to s. 259.105(3)(b):

(a)  Establish specific goals for those identified in s. 259.105(4).

(b)  Provide recommendations expanding or refining the goals identified in s. 259.105(4).

(c)  Identify specific performance measures that may be used to analyze progress towards the goals established.

It is recognized that during the development of this report, the council may identify other recommendations concerning the implementation of Florida Forever. These recommendations shall be incorporated in the reports identified in subsection (8).

(8)  The council shall provide a report, at least 30 days prior to the regular legislative sessions in the following years: 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. The report shall be provided to the Secretary of Environmental Protection, who shall forward the report to the board of trustees for their approval. After approval by the board of trustees, the secretary shall forward the approved report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report shall provide: recommendations for adjusting or expanding the goals detailed in s. 259.105(4); recommendations for adjusting the percentage distributions detailed in s. 259.105(3); and recommendations concerning other aspects of the Florida Forever Act. In making recommendations for adjusting the percentage distributions detailed in s. 259.105(3), the council shall consider which agencies have encumbered their funds in a timely manner and unencumbered balances, if any, in each agency's Florida Forever subaccount. The recommendations may include increases in percentage distributions to those agencies that have encumbered Florida Forever funds in a timely manner.

(9)  The reports required pursuant to subsections (7) and (8) are to be based upon and developed through:

(a)  Comments received during public hearings, in different areas of the state, held for the purpose of gathering public input and recommendations.

(b)  Evaluations of Florida's existing public land acquisition programs for conservation, preservation, and recreational purposes, including those administered by the water management districts and the Department of Community Affairs, to determine the extent of Florida's unmet needs for restoration, acquisition, and management of public lands and water areas and for acquisition of privately owned lands and water areas.

(c)  Material and data developed by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory concerning Florida's conservation lands.

History.--s. 14, ch. 99-247; s. 8, ch. 2000-170.

259.035  Acquisition and Restoration Council.--

(1)  There is created the Acquisition and Restoration Council.

(a)  The council shall be composed of nine voting members, four of whom shall be appointed by the Governor. These four appointees shall be from scientific disciplines related to land, water, or environmental sciences. They shall serve 4-year terms, except that, initially, to provide for staggered terms, two of the appointees shall serve 2-year terms. All subsequent appointments shall be for 4-year terms. No appointee shall serve more than 6 years. The Governor may at any time fill a vacancy for the unexpired term of a member appointed under this paragraph.

(b)  The five remaining appointees shall be composed of the Secretary of Environmental Protection, the director of the Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the executive director of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the director of the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State, and the secretary of the Department of Community Affairs, or their respective designees.

(c)  The Governor shall appoint the chair of the council, and a vice chair shall be elected from among the members.

(d)  The council shall hold periodic meetings at the request of the chair.

(e)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall provide primary staff support to the council and shall ensure that council meetings are electronically recorded. Such recording shall be preserved pursuant to chapters 119 and 257.

(f)  The board of trustees has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this section.

(2)  The four members of the council appointed by the Governor shall receive $75 per day while engaged in the business of the council, as well as expenses and per diem for travel, including attendance at meetings, as allowed state officers and employees while in the performance of their duties, pursuant to s. 112.061.

(3)  The council shall provide assistance to the board of trustees in reviewing the recommendations and plans for state-owned lands required under ss. 253.034 and 259.032. The council shall, in reviewing such recommendations and plans, consider the optimization of multiple-use and conservation strategies to accomplish the provisions funded pursuant to ss. 259.101(3)(a) and 259.105(3)(b).

(4)  The council may use existing rules adopted by the board of trustees, until it develops and recommends amendments to those rules, to competitively evaluate, select, and rank projects eligible for the Conservation and Recreation Lands list pursuant to ss. 259.032(3) and 259.101(4) and, beginning no later than May 1, 2001, for Florida Forever funds pursuant to s. 259.105(3)(b). In developing or amending the rules, the council shall give weight to the criteria included in s. 259.105(9). The board of trustees shall review the recommendations and shall adopt rules necessary to administer this section.

(5)  An affirmative vote of five members of the council is required in order to change a project boundary or to place a proposed project on a list developed pursuant to subsection (4). Any member of the council who by family or a business relationship has a connection with all or a portion of any proposed project shall declare the interest before voting on its inclusion on a list.

(6)  The proposal for a project pursuant to this section or s. 259.105(3)(b) may be implemented only if adopted by the council and approved by the board of trustees. The council shall consider and evaluate in writing the merits and demerits of each project that is proposed for Conservation and Recreation Lands, Florida Preservation 2000, or Florida Forever funding and shall ensure that each proposed project will meet a stated public purpose for the restoration, conservation, or preservation of environmentally sensitive lands and water areas or for providing outdoor recreational opportunities. The council also shall determine whether the project conforms, where applicable, with the comprehensive plan developed pursuant to s. 259.04(1)(a), the comprehensive multipurpose outdoor recreation plan developed pursuant to s. 375.021, the state lands management plan adopted pursuant to s. 253.03(7), the water resources work plans developed pursuant to s. 373.199, and the provisions of s. 259.032, s. 259.101, or s. 259.105, whichever is applicable.

History.--s. 14, ch. 79-255; s. 3, ch. 81-210; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 4, ch. 82-152; s. 24, ch. 83-55; s. 3, ch. 83-114; s. 2, ch. 83-265; s. 31, ch. 86-163; s. 3, ch. 88-387; ss. 8, 9, 11, ch. 89-116; s. 5, ch. 90-217; s. 5, ch. 91-429; ss. 4, 17, ch. 92-288; s. 6, ch. 93-213; s. 3, ch. 94-240; s. 102, ch. 94-356; s. 851, ch. 95-148; s. 4, ch. 96-389; s. 7, ch. 97-164; s. 50, ch. 98-200; s. 2, ch. 98-332; s. 16, ch. 99-247; s. 9, ch. 2000-170.

259.036  Management review teams.--

(1)  To determine whether conservation, preservation, and recreation lands titled in the name of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund are being managed for the purposes for which they were acquired and in accordance with a land management plan adopted pursuant to s. 259.032, the board of trustees, acting through the Department of Environmental Protection, shall cause periodic management reviews to be conducted as follows:

(a)  The department shall establish a regional land management review team composed of the following members:

1.  One individual who is from the county or local community in which the parcel or project is located and who is selected by the county commission in the county which is most impacted by the acquisition.

2.  One individual from the Division of Recreation and Parks of the department.

3.  One individual from the Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

4.  One individual from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

5.  One individual from the department's district office in which the parcel is located.

6.  A private land manager mutually agreeable to the state agency representatives.

7.  A member of the local soil and water conservation district board of supervisors.

8.  A member of a conservation organization.

(b)  The staff of the Division of State Lands shall act as the review team coordinator for the purposes of establishing schedules for the reviews and other staff functions. The Legislature shall appropriate funds necessary to implement land management review team functions.

(2)  The land management review team shall review select parcels of managed land prior to the date the managing agency is required to submit its 5-year land management plan update. A copy of the review shall be provided to the managing agency, the Division of State Lands, and the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council or its successor. The managing agency shall consider the findings and recommendations of the land management review team in finalizing the required 5-year update of its management plan.

(3)  In conducting a review, the land management review team shall evaluate the extent to which the existing management plan provides sufficient protection to threatened or endangered species, unique or important natural or physical features, geological or hydrological functions, or archaeological features. The review shall also evaluate the extent to which the land is being managed for the purposes for which it was acquired and the degree to which actual management practices, including public access, are in compliance with the adopted management plan.

(4)  In the event a land management plan has not been adopted within the timeframes specified in s. 259.032(10), the department may direct a management review of the property, to be conducted by the land management review team. The review shall consider the extent to which the land is being managed for the purposes for which it was acquired and the degree to which actual management practices are in compliance with the management policy statement and management prospectus for that property.

(5)  If the land management review team determines that reviewed lands are not being managed for the purposes for which they were acquired or in compliance with the adopted land management plan, management policy statement, or management prospectus, or if the managing agency fails to address the review findings in the updated management plan, the department shall provide the review findings to the board, and the managing agency must report to the board its reasons for managing the lands as it has.

(6)  No later than the second board meeting in October of each year, the department shall report the annual review findings of its land management review team.

History.--s. 8, ch. 97-164; s. 80, ch. 99-245; s. 17, ch. 99-247.

259.037  Land Management Uniform Accounting Council.--

(1)  The Land Management Uniform Accounting Council is created within the Department of Environmental Protection and shall consist of the director of the Division of State Lands, the director of the Division of Recreation and Parks, the director of the Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, and the director of the Office of Greenways and Trails of the Department of Environmental Protection; the director of the Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; the executive director of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and the director of the Division of Historial Resources of the Department of State, or their respective designees. Each state agency represented on the council shall have one vote. The chair of the council shall rotate annually in the foregoing order of state agencies. The agency of the representative serving as chair of the council shall provide staff support for the council. The Division of State Lands shall serve as the recipient of and repository for the council's documents. The council shall meet initially by May 20, 2000, and thereafter at the request of the chair.

(2)  The Auditor General and the director of the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, or their designees, shall advise the council to ensure that appropriate accounting procedures are utilized and that a uniform method of collecting and reporting accurate costs of land management activities are created and can be used by all agencies.

(3)  The council shall, by June 20, 2000, review current land management practices and group closely related land management activities and needs into categories. All land management activities and costs must be assigned to a specific category, and any single activity or cost may not be assigned to more than one category. Administrative costs, such as planning or training, shall be segregated from other management activities. Specific management activities and costs must initially be grouped, at a minimum, within the following categories:

(a)  Resource management.

(b)  Administration.

(c)  New facility construction.

(d)  Facility maintenance.

Upon adoption of the initial list of land management categories by the council, agencies assigned to manage conservation or recreation lands shall, on July 1, 2000, begin to account for land management costs in accordance with the category to which an expenditure is assigned.

(4)  The council shall provide its adopted complete list of land management categories, including subcategories, to the Governor, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Acquisition and Restoration Council by January 1, 2001.

(5)  The council shall report agencies' expenditures pursuant to the adopted categories to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives annually, beginning July 1, 2001. The council shall also provide this report to the Acquisition and Restoration Council for inclusion in its annual report required pursuant to s. 259.105.

(6)  Should the council determine that the list of land management categories needs to be revised, it shall meet upon the call of the chair.

History.--s. 25, ch. 2000-170.

259.04  Board; powers and duties.--

(1)  For projects and acquisitions selected for purchase pursuant to ss. 259.035, 259.101, and 259.105:

(a)  The board is given the responsibility, authority, and power to develop and execute a comprehensive, statewide 5-year plan to conserve, restore, and protect environmentally endangered lands, ecosystems, lands necessary for outdoor recreational needs, and other lands as identified in ss. 259.032, 259.101, and 259.105. This plan shall be kept current through continual reevaluation and revision. The advisory council or its successor shall assist the board in the development, reevaluation, and revision of the plan.

(b)  The board may enter into contracts with the government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof; the state or any county, municipality, district authority, or political subdivision; or any private corporation, partnership, association, or person providing for or relating to the conservation or protection of certain lands in accomplishing the purposes of this chapter.

(c)  Within 45 days after the advisory council or its successor submits the lists of projects to the board, the board shall approve, in whole or in part, the lists of projects in the order of priority in which such projects are presented. To the greatest extent practicable, projects on the lists shall be acquired in their approved order of priority.

(d)  The board is authorized to acquire, by purchase, gift, or devise or otherwise, the fee title or any lesser interest of lands, water areas, and related resources for environmentally endangered lands.

(2)  For state capital projects for outdoor recreation lands, the provisions of chapter 375 and s. 253.025 shall also apply.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-300; s. 15, ch. 79-255; s. 4, ch. 81-210; s. 4, ch. 83-114; s. 12, ch. 89-116; s. 6, ch. 92-288; s. 16, ch. 94-240; s. 18, ch. 99-247; s. 29, ch. 2000-152.

259.041  Acquisition of state-owned lands for preservation, conservation, and recreation purposes.--

(1)  Neither the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund nor its duly authorized agent shall commit the state, through any instrument of negotiated contract or agreement for purchase, to the purchase of lands with or without appurtenances unless the provisions of this section have been fully complied with. However, the board of trustees may waive any requirement of this section, except the requirements of subsections (3), (14), and (15); or, notwithstanding chapter 120, may waive any rules adopted pursuant to this section, except rules adopted pursuant to subsections (3), (14), and (15); or may substitute other reasonably prudent procedures, provided the public's interest is reasonably protected. The title to lands acquired pursuant to this section shall vest in the board of trustees as provided in s. 253.03(1), unless otherwise provided by law. All such lands, title to which is vested in the board of trustees pursuant to this section, shall be administered pursuant to the provisions of s. 253.03.

(2)  The board of trustees has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this section, including rules governing the terms and conditions of land purchases. Such rules shall address with specificity, but not be limited to:

(a)  The procedures to be followed in the acquisition process, including selection of appraisers, surveyors, title agents and closing agents, and the content of appraisal reports.

(b)  The determination of the value of parcels which the state has an interest to acquire.

(c)  Special requirements when multiple landowners are involved in an acquisition.

(d)  Requirements for obtaining written option agreements so that the interests of the state are fully protected.

(3)  No agreement to acquire real property for the purposes described in this chapter, chapter 260, or chapter 375, title to which will vest in the board of trustees, may bind the state unless and until the agreement has been reviewed and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection as complying with the requirements of this section and any rules adopted pursuant to this section. Where any of the following conditions exist, the agreement shall be submitted to and approved by the board of trustees:

(a)  The purchase price agreed to by the seller exceeds the value as established pursuant to the rules of the board of trustees;

(b)  The contract price agreed to by the seller and acquiring agency exceeds $1 million;

(c)  The acquisition is the initial purchase in a project; or

(d)  Other conditions that the board of trustees may adopt by rule. Such conditions may include, but not be limited to, projects where title to the property being acquired is considered nonmarketable or is encumbered in such a way as to significantly affect its management.

Where approval of the board of trustees is required pursuant to this subsection, the acquiring agency must provide a justification as to why it is in the public's interest to acquire the parcel or project. Approval of the board of trustees also is required for projects the department recommends acquiring pursuant to subsections (14) and (15). Review and approval of agreements for acquisitions for Florida Greenways and Trails Program properties pursuant to chapter 260 may be waived by the department in any contract with nonprofit corporations that have agreed to assist the department with this program.

(4)  Land acquisition procedures provided for in this section and related rules are for voluntary, negotiated acquisitions.

(5)  For the purposes of this section, the term "negotiations" does not include preliminary contacts with the property owner to determine the availability of the property, existing appraisal data, existing abstracts, and surveys.

(6)  Evidence of marketable title in the form of a commitment for title insurance or an abstract of title with a title opinion shall be obtained prior to the conveyance of title, as provided in the final agreement for purchase.

(7)  Prior to approval by the board of trustees or, when applicable, the Department of Environmental Protection, of any agreement to purchase land pursuant to this chapter, chapter 260, or chapter 375, and prior to negotiations with the parcel owner to purchase any other land, title to which will vest in the board of trustees, an appraisal of the parcel shall be required as follows:

(a)  The board of trustees shall adopt by rule the method for determining the value of parcels sought to be acquired by state agencies pursuant to this section.

(b)  Each parcel to be acquired shall have at least one appraisal. Two appraisals are required when the estimated value of the parcel exceeds $500,000. However, when both appraisals exceed $500,000 and differ significantly, a third appraisal may be obtained. When a parcel is estimated to be worth $100,000 or less and the director of the Division of State Lands finds that the cost of obtaining an outside appraisal is not justified, an appraisal prepared by the division may be used.

(c)  Appraisal fees and associated costs shall be paid by the agency proposing the acquisition. The board of trustees shall approve qualified fee appraisal organizations. All appraisals used for the acquisition of lands pursuant to this section shall be prepared by a member of an approved appraisal organization or by a state-certified appraiser who meets the standards and criteria established in rule by the board of trustees. Each fee appraiser selected to appraise a particular parcel shall, prior to contracting with the agency or a participant in a multiparty agreement, submit to that agency or participant an affidavit substantiating that he or she has no vested or fiduciary interest in such parcel.

(d)  The fee appraiser and the review appraiser for the agency shall not act in any way that may be construed as negotiating with the property owner.

(e)  Generally, appraisal reports are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1), for use by the agency and the board of trustees, until an option contract is executed or, if no option contract is executed, until 2 weeks before a contract or agreement for purchase is considered for approval by the board of trustees. However, the department has the authority, at its discretion, to disclose appraisal reports to private landowners during negotiations for acquisitions using alternatives to fee simple techniques, if the department determines that disclosure of such reports will bring the proposed acquisition to closure. The Division of State Lands may also disclose appraisal information to public agencies or nonprofit organizations that agree to maintain the confidentiality of the reports or information when joint acquisition of property is contemplated, or when a public agency or nonprofit organization enters into a written multiparty agreement with the division to purchase and hold property for subsequent resale to the division. In addition, the division may use, as its own, appraisals obtained by a public agency or nonprofit organization, provided the appraiser is selected from the division's list of appraisers and the appraisal is reviewed and approved by the division. For the purposes of this chapter, "nonprofit organization" means an organization whose purposes include the preservation of natural resources, and which is exempt from federal income tax under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The agency may release an appraisal report when the passage of time has rendered the conclusions of value in the report invalid or when the acquiring agency has terminated negotiations.

(f)  The Division of State Lands may use, as its own, appraisals obtained by a public agency or nonprofit organization, provided that the appraiser is selected from the division's list of appraisers and the appraisal is reviewed and approved by the division. For the purposes of this chapter, the term "nonprofit organization" means an organization whose purposes include the preservation of natural resources and which is exempt from federal income tax under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, on behalf of the board and before the appraisal of parcels approved for purchase under this chapter, the Secretary of Environmental Protection or the director of the Division of State Lands may enter into option contracts to buy such parcels. Any such option contract shall state that the final purchase price is subject to approval by the board or, when applicable, the secretary and that the final purchase price may not exceed the maximum offer allowed by law. The consideration for such an option may not exceed $1,000 or 0.01 percent of the estimate by the department of the value of the parcel, whichever amount is greater.

(8)(a)  When the owner is represented by an agent or broker, negotiations may not be initiated or continued until a written statement verifying such agent's or broker's legal or fiduciary relationship with the owner is on file with the agency.

(b)  The board of trustees or any state agency may contract for real estate acquisition services, including, but not limited to, surveying, mapping, environmental audits, title work, and legal and other professional assistance to review acquisition agreements and other documents and to perform acquisition closings. However, the department shall use outside counsel for review of any agreements or documents, or to perform acquisition closings unless department staff can conduct the same activity in 15 days or less.

(c)  All offers or counteroffers shall be documented in writing and shall be confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) until an option contract is executed, or if no option contract is executed, until 2 weeks before a contract or agreement for purchase is considered for approval by the board of trustees. The agency shall maintain complete and accurate records of all offers and counteroffers for all projects.

(9)(a)  A final offer shall be in the form of an option contract or agreement for purchase and shall be signed and attested to by the owner and the representative of the agency. Before the agency signs the agreement for purchase or exercises the option contract, the provisions of s. 286.23 shall be complied with. Within 10 days after the signing of the agreement for purchase, the state agency shall furnish the Division of State Lands with the original of the agreement for purchase along with copies of the disclosure notice, evidence of marketability, the accepted appraisal report, the fee appraiser's affidavit, a statement that the inventory of existing state-owned lands was examined and contained no available suitable land in the area, and a statement outlining the public purpose for which the acquisition is being made and the statutory authority therefor.

(b)  Within 45 days after receipt by the Division of State Lands of the agreement for purchase and the required documentation, the board of trustees or its designee shall either reject or approve the agreement. An approved agreement for purchase is binding on both parties. Any agreement which has been disapproved shall be returned to the agency, along with a statement as to the deficiencies of the agreement or the supporting documentation. An agreement for purchase which has been disapproved by the board of trustees or its designee may be resubmitted when such deficiencies have been corrected.

(10)(a)  The board of trustees may accept a dedication, gift, grant, or bequest of lands and appurtenances without formal evidence of marketability, or when the title is nonmarketable, if the board or its designee determines that such lands and appurtenances have value and are reasonably manageable by the state and that their acceptance would serve the public interest. The state is not required to appraise the value of such donated lands and appurtenances as a condition of receipt. No deed filed in the public records to donate lands to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund shall be construed to transfer title to or vest title in the board of trustees unless there also shall be filed in the public records, a document indicating that the board of trustees has agreed to accept the transfer of title to such donated lands.

(b)  The board of trustees may not accept by dedication, gift, grant, or bequest any lands and appurtenances that are determined to be owned by the state either in fee or by virtue of the state's sovereignty or which are so encumbered as to preclude the use of such lands and appurtenances for any reasonable public purpose.

(c)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the maximum value of a parcel to be purchased by the board of trustees as determined by the highest approved appraisal or as determined pursuant to the rules of the board of trustees shall not be increased or decreased as a result of a change of zoning, permitted land uses, or changes in market forces or prices that occur within 1 year after the date the Department of Environmental Protection or board of trustees approves a contract to purchase the parcel.

(11)(a)  The Legislature finds that, with the increasing pressures on the natural areas of this state and on open space suitable for recreational use, the state must develop creative techniques to maximize the use of acquisition and management funds. The Legislature also finds that the state's conservation and recreational land acquisition agencies should be encouraged to augment their traditional, fee simple acquisition programs with the use of alternatives to fee simple acquisition techniques. Additionally, the Legislature finds that generations of private landowners have been good stewards of their land, protecting or restoring native habitats and ecosystems to the benefit of the natural resources of this state, its heritage, and its citizens. The Legislature also finds that using alternatives to fee simple acquisition by public land acquisition agencies will achieve the following public policy goals:

1.  Allow more lands to be brought under public protection for preservation, conservation, and recreational purposes with less expenditure of public funds.

2.  Retain, on local government tax rolls, some portion of or interest in lands which are under public protection.

3.  Reduce long-term management costs by allowing private property owners to continue acting as stewards of their land, where appropriate.

Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that public land acquisition agencies develop programs to pursue alternatives to fee simple acquisition and to educate private landowners about such alternatives and the benefits of such alternatives. It is also the intent of the Legislature that a portion of the shares of Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever bond proceeds be used to purchase eligible properties using alternatives to fee simple acquisition.

(b)  All project applications shall identify, within their acquisition plans, those projects which require a full fee simple interest to achieve the public policy goals, together with the reasons full title is determined to be necessary. The state agencies and the water management districts may use alternatives to fee simple acquisition to bring the remaining projects in their acquisition plans under public protection. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "alternatives to fee simple acquisition" includes, but is not limited to: purchase of development rights; obtaining conservation easements; obtaining flowage easements; purchase of timber rights, mineral rights, or hunting rights; purchase of agricultural interests or silvicultural interests; entering into land protection agreements as defined in s. 380.0677(4); fee simple acquisitions with reservations; creating life estates; or any other acquisition technique which achieves the public policy goals listed in paragraph (a). It is presumed that a private landowner retains the full range of uses for all the rights or interests in the landowner's land which are not specifically acquired by the public agency. The lands upon which hunting rights are specifically acquired pursuant to this paragraph shall be available for hunting in accordance with the management plan or hunting regulations adopted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, unless the hunting rights are purchased specifically to protect activities on adjacent lands.

(c)  When developing the acquisition plan pursuant to s. 259.105 the Acquisition and Restoration Council may give preference to those less than fee simple acquisitions that provide any public access. However, the Legislature recognizes that public access is not always appropriate for certain less than fee simple acquisitions; therefore no proposed less than fee simple acquisition shall be rejected simply because public access would be limited.

(d)  Beginning in fiscal year 1999-2000, the department and each water management district shall implement initiatives to use alternatives to fee simple acquisition and to educate private landowners about such alternatives. The department and the water management districts may enter into joint acquisition agreements to jointly fund the purchase of lands using alternatives to fee simple techniques.

(e)  The Legislature finds that the lack of direct sales comparison information has served as an impediment to successful implementation of alternatives to fee simple acquisition. It is the intent of the Legislature that, in the absence of direct comparable sales information, appraisals of alternatives to fee simple acquisitions be based on the difference between the full fee simple valuation and the value of the interests remaining with the seller after acquisition.

(f)  The public agency which has been assigned management responsibility shall inspect and monitor any less than fee simple interest according to the terms of the purchase agreement relating to such interest.

(12)  Any conveyance to the board of trustees of fee title shall be made by no less than a special warranty deed, unless the conveyance is from the Federal Government, the county government, or another state agency or, in the event of a gift or donation by quitclaim deed, if the board of trustees, or its designee, determines that the acceptance of such quitclaim deed is in the best interest of the public. A quitclaim deed may also be accepted to aid in clearing title or boundary questions.

(13)  The board of trustees may purchase tax certificates or tax deeds issued in accordance with chapter 197 relating to property eligible for purchase under this section.

(14)  The board of trustees, by majority vote of all of its members, voting at a regularly scheduled and advertised meeting, may direct the department to exercise the power of eminent domain pursuant to the provisions of chapters 73 and 74 to acquire any of the properties on the acquisition list established by the land acquisition selection committee and approved by the board of trustees. However, the board of trustees may only make such a vote under the following circumstances:

(a)  The state has made at least two bona fide offers to purchase the land through negotiation and, notwithstanding those offers, an impasse between the state and the landowner was reached.

(b)  The land is of special importance to the state because of one or more of the following reasons:

1.  It involves an endangered or natural resource and is in imminent danger of development.

2.  It is of unique value to the state and the failure to acquire it will result in irreparable loss to the state.

3.  The failure of the state to acquire it will seriously impair the state's ability to manage or protect other state-owned lands.

Pursuant to this subsection, the department may exercise condemnation authority directly or by contracting with the Department of Transportation or a water management district to provide that service. If the Department of Transportation or a water management district enters such a contract with the department, the Department of Transportation or a water management district may use statutorily approved methods and procedures ordinarily used by the agency for condemnation purposes.

(15)  The board of trustees, by an affirmative vote of five members, may direct the department to purchase lands on an immediate basis using up to 15 percent of the funds allocated to the department pursuant to ss. 259.101(3)(a) and 259.105 for the acquisition of lands that:

(a)  Are listed or placed at auction by the Federal Government as part of the Resolution Trust Corporation sale of lands from failed savings and loan associations;

(b)  Are listed or placed at auction by the Federal Government as part of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation sale of lands from failed banks; or

(c)  Will be developed or otherwise lost to potential public ownership, or for which federal matching funds will be lost, by the time the land can be purchased under the program within which the land is listed for acquisition.

For such acquisitions, the board of trustees may waive or modify all procedures required for land acquisition pursuant to this chapter and all competitive bid procedures required pursuant to chapters 255 and 287. Lands acquired pursuant to this subsection must, at the time of purchase, be on one of the acquisition lists established pursuant to this chapter, or be essential for water resource development, protection, or restoration, or a significant portion of the lands must contain natural communities or plant or animal species which are listed by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory as critically imperiled, imperiled, or rare, or as excellent quality occurrences of natural communities.

(16)  The Auditor General shall conduct performance postaudits of acquisitions and divestitures which he or she deems necessary, according to his or her review of the overall land acquisition program. These selected reviews will be initiated within 60 days following the final approval by the board of land acquisitions under this section. The Auditor General shall submit an audit report to the board of trustees, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and their designees.

(17)  Title to lands to be held jointly by the board of trustees and a water management district and acquired pursuant to the procedures set out in s. 373.139 may be deemed to meet the standards necessary for ownership by the board of trustees, notwithstanding any provisions in this section or in related rules.

(18)  Any agency authorized to acquire lands on behalf of the board of trustees is authorized to request disbursement of payments for real estate closings in accordance with a written authorization from an ultimate beneficiary to allow a third party authorized by law to receive such payment provided the Comptroller determines that such disbursement is consistent with good business practices and can be completed in a manner minimizing costs and risks to the state.

(19)  Many parcels of land acquired pursuant to this section may contain cattle-dipping vats as defined in s. 376.301. The state is encouraged to continue with the acquisition of such lands including the cattle-dipping vats.

History.--s. 4, ch. 94-240; s. 852, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 95-349; s. 5, ch. 96-389; s. 115, ch. 96-406; s. 51, ch. 98-200; s. 12, ch. 98-336; s. 19, ch. 99-247; s. 30, ch. 2000-152.

259.045  Purchase of lands in areas of critical state concern; recommendations by department and land authorities.--Within 45 days of the designation by the Administration Commission of an area as an area of critical state concern under s. 380.05, the Department of Environmental Protection shall consider the recommendations of the state land planning agency pursuant to s. 380.05(1)(a) relating to purchase of lands within the proposed area and shall make recommendations to the board with respect to the purchase of the fee or any lesser interest in any lands situated in such area of critical state concern as environmentally endangered lands or outdoor recreation lands. The department, and a land authority within an area of critical state concern as authorized in chapter 380, may make recommendations with respect to additional purchases which were not included in the state land planning agency recommendations.

History.--s. 3, ch. 79-73; s. 2, ch. 94-212; s. 103, ch. 94-356.

259.05  Issuance of bonds.--

(1)  Upon request of the board, by appropriate resolution, the Division of Bond Finance from time to time, subject to the debt limitation provided herein, may issue bonds pledging the full faith and credit of the state as shall be necessary to provide sufficient funds to achieve the purposes set out in such request.

(2)  The issuance of such bonds to finance state capital projects for environmentally endangered lands or outdoor recreation lands is authorized in the manner, and subject to the limitations, provided by the State Bond Act, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-300.

259.06  Construction.--The provisions of ss. 259.01-259.06 shall be liberally construed in a manner to accomplish the purposes thereof.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-300.

259.07  Public meetings.--The council, before making recommendations to the board for the purchase of any land pursuant to s. 259.035, shall hold one or more public meetings on the proposed purchase of such land in areas of the state where major portions of such land are situated. At least 30 days in advance of such public meeting, notice shall be published in newspapers of general circulation in the areas where such lands are located, indicating the date, time, and place of such public meeting. A report of the public meeting shall be submitted to the board along with the recommendation for purchase of such land.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-59; s. 7, ch. 92-288.

259.101  Florida Preservation 2000 Act.--

(1)  SHORT TITLE.--This section may be cited as the "Florida Preservation 2000 Act."

(2)  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.--The Legislature finds and declares that:

(a)  The alteration and development of Florida's natural areas to accommodate its rapidly growing population have contributed to the degradation of water resources, the fragmentation and destruction of wildlife habitats, the loss of recreation space, and the diminishment of wetlands and forests.

(b)  Imminent development of Florida's remaining natural areas and continuing increases in land values necessitate an aggressive program of public land acquisition during the next decade to preserve the quality of life that attracts so many people to Florida.

(c)  Acquisition of public lands, in fee simple or in any lesser interest, should be based on a comprehensive assessment of Florida's natural resources and planned so as to protect the integrity of ecological systems and to provide multiple benefits, including preservation of fish and wildlife habitat, recreation space, and water recharge areas. Governmental agencies responsible for public land acquisition should work together to purchase lands jointly and to coordinate individual purchases within ecological systems.

(d)  One of the purposes of the Florida Communities Trust program is to acquire, protect, and preserve open space and recreation properties within urban areas where pristine animal and plant communities no longer exist. These areas are often overlooked in other programs because of their smaller size and proximity to developed property. These smaller parcels are, however, critically important to the quality of life in these urban areas for the residents who live there as well as to the many visitors to the state. The trust shall consider projects submitted by local governments which further the goals, objectives, and policies of the conservation, recreation and open space, or coastal elements of their local comprehensive plans or which serve to conserve natural resources or resolve land use conflicts.

(e)  South Florida's water supply and unique natural environment depend on the protection of lands buffering the East Everglades and the Everglades water conservation areas.

In addition, the Legislature recognizes the conflicting desires of the citizens of this state to prosper through economic development and to preserve the natural areas of Florida that development threatens to claim. The Legislature further recognizes the urgency of acquiring natural areas in the state for preservation, yet acknowledges the difficulty of ensuring adequate funding for accelerated acquisition in light of other equally critical financial needs of the state. It is the Legislature's desire and intent to fund the implementation of the Florida Preservation 2000 Act for each of the 10 years of the program's duration and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner.

(3)  LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAMS SUPPLEMENTED.--Less the costs of issuance, the costs of funding reserve accounts, and other costs with respect to the bonds, the proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to this act shall be deposited into the Florida Preservation 2000 Trust Fund created by s. 375.045. Ten percent of the proceeds of any bonds deposited into the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund shall be distributed by the Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purchase by the South Florida Water Management District of lands in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties identified in s. 7, chapter 95-349, Laws of Florida. This distribution shall apply for any bond issue for the 1995-1996 fiscal year. For the 1997-1998 fiscal year only, $20 million per year from the proceeds of any bonds deposited into the Florida Preservation 2000 Trust Fund shall be distributed by the Department of Environmental Protection to the St. Johns Water Management District for the purchase of lands necessary to restore Lake Apopka. In fiscal year 2000-2001, for each Florida Preservation 2000 program described in paragraphs (a)-(g), that portion of each program's total remaining cash balance which, as of June 30, 2000, is in excess of that program's total remaining appropriation balances shall be redistributed by the department and deposited into the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund for land acquisition. For purposes of calculating the total remaining cash balances for this redistribution, the Florida Preservation 2000 Series 2000 bond proceeds, including interest thereon, and the fiscal year 1999-2000 General Appropriations Act amounts shall be deducted from the remaining cash and appropriation balances, respectively. The remaining proceeds shall be distributed by the Department of Environmental Protection in the following manner:

(a)  Fifty percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purchase of public lands as described in s. 259.032. Of this 50 percent, at least one-fifth shall be used for the acquisition of coastal lands.

(b)  Thirty percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purchase of water management lands pursuant to s. 373.59, to be distributed among the water management districts as provided in that section. Funds received by each district may also be used for acquisition of lands necessary to implement surface water improvement and management plans approved in accordance with s. 373.456 or for acquisition of lands necessary to implement the Everglades Construction Project authorized by s. 373.4592.

(c)  Ten percent to the Department of Community Affairs to provide land acquisition grants and loans to local governments through the Florida Communities Trust pursuant to part III of chapter 380. From funds allocated to the trust, $3 million annually shall be used by the Division of State Lands within the Department of Environmental Protection to implement the Green Swamp Land Protection Initiative specifically for the purchase of conservation easements, as defined in s. 380.0677(4), of lands, or severable interests or rights in lands, in the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern. From funds allocated to the trust, $3 million annually shall be used by the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Land Authority specifically for the purchase of any real property interest in either those lands subject to the Rate of Growth Ordinances adopted by local governments in Monroe County or those lands within the boundary of an approved Conservation and Recreation Lands project located within the Florida Keys or Key West Areas of Critical State Concern; however, title to lands acquired within the boundary of an approved Conservation and Recreation Lands project may, in accordance with an approved joint acquisition agreement, vest in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. Of the remaining funds allocated to the trust after the above transfers occur, one-half shall be matched by local governments on a dollar-for-dollar basis. To the extent allowed by federal requirements for the use of bond proceeds, the trust shall expend Preservation 2000 funds to carry out the purposes of part III of chapter 380.

(d)  Two and nine-tenths percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purchase of inholdings and additions to state parks. For the purposes of this paragraph, "state park" means all real property in the state under the jurisdiction of the Division of Recreation and Parks of the department, or which may come under its jurisdiction.

(e)  Two and nine-tenths percent to the Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to fund the acquisition of state forest inholdings and additions pursuant to s. 589.07.

(f)  Two and nine-tenths percent to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to fund the acquisition of inholdings and additions to lands managed by the commission which are important to the conservation of fish and wildlife.

(g)  One and three-tenths percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Florida Greenways and Trails Program, to acquire greenways and trails or greenways and trails systems pursuant to chapter 260, including, but not limited to, abandoned railroad rights-of-way and the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Local governments may use federal grants or loans, private donations, or environmental mitigation funds, including environmental mitigation funds required pursuant to s. 338.250, for any part or all of any local match required for the purposes described in this subsection. Bond proceeds allocated pursuant to paragraph (c) may be used to purchase lands on the priority lists developed pursuant to s. 259.035. Title to lands purchased pursuant to paragraphs (a), (d), (e), (f), and (g) shall be vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. Title to lands purchased pursuant to paragraph (c) may be vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. The board of trustees shall hold title to land protection agreements and conservation easements that were or will be acquired pursuant to s. 380.0677, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the St. Johns River Water Management District shall monitor such agreements and easements within their respective districts until the state assumes this responsibility.

(4)  PROJECT CRITERIA.--

(a)  Proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to this act and distributed pursuant to paragraphs (3)(a) and (b) shall be spent only on projects which meet at least one of the following criteria, as determined pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c):

1.  A significant portion of the land in the project is in imminent danger of development, in imminent danger of loss of its significant natural attributes, or in imminent danger of subdivision which will result in multiple ownership and may make acquisition of the project more costly or less likely to be accomplished;

2.  Compelling evidence exists that the land is likely to be developed during the next 12 months, or appraisals made during the past 5 years indicate an escalation in land value at an average rate that exceeds the average rate of interest likely to be paid on the bonds;

3.  A significant portion of the land in the project serves to protect or recharge groundwater and to protect other valuable natural resources or provide space for natural resource based recreation;

4.  The project can be purchased at 80 percent of appraised value or less;

5.  A significant portion of the land in the project serves as habitat for endangered, threatened, or rare species or serves to protect natural communities which are listed by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory as critically imperiled, imperiled, or rare, or as excellent quality occurrences of natural communities; or

6.  A significant portion of the land serves to preserve important archaeological or historical sites.

(b)  Each year that bonds are to be issued pursuant to this act, the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council shall review that year's approved Conservation and Recreation Lands priority list and shall, by the first board meeting in February, present to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for approval a listing of projects on the list which meet one or more of the criteria listed in paragraph (a). The board may remove projects from the list developed pursuant to this paragraph, but may not add projects.

(c)  Each year that bonds are to be issued pursuant to this act, each water management district governing board shall review the lands on its current year's Save Our Rivers 5-year plan and shall, by January 15, adopt a listing of projects from the plan which meet one or more of the criteria listed in paragraph (a).

(d)  In the acquisition of coastal lands pursuant to paragraph (3)(a), the following additional criteria shall also be considered:

1.  The value of acquiring coastal high-hazard parcels, consistent with hazard mitigation and postdisaster redevelopment policies, in order to minimize the risk to life and property and to reduce the need for future disaster assistance.

2.  The value of acquiring beachfront parcels, irrespective of size, to provide public access and recreational opportunities in highly developed urban areas.

3.  The value of acquiring identified parcels the development of which would adversely affect coastal resources.

When a nonprofit environmental organization which is tax exempt pursuant to s. 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code sells land to the state, such land at the time of such sale shall be deemed to meet one or more of the criteria listed in paragraph (a) if such land meets one or more of the criteria at the time the organization purchases it. Listings of projects compiled pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) may be revised to include projects on the Conservation and Recreation Lands priority list or in a water management district's 5-year plan which come under the criteria in paragraph (a) after the dates specified in paragraph (b) or paragraph (c). The requirement of paragraph (3)(a) regarding coastal lands is met as long as an average of one-fifth of the cumulative proceeds allocated through fiscal year 1999-2000 pursuant to that paragraph is used to purchase coastal lands.

(e)  The Legislature finds that the Florida Preservation 2000 Program has provided financial resources that have enabled the acquisition of significant amounts of land for public ownership in the first 7 years of the program's existence. In the remaining years of the Florida Preservation 2000 Program, agencies that receive funds are encouraged to better coordinate their expenditures so that future acquisitions, when combined with previous acquisitions, will form more complete patterns of protection for natural areas and functioning ecosystems to better accomplish the intent of paragraph (2)(c).

(f)  The Legislature intends that, in the remaining years of the Florida Preservation 2000 Program, emphasis be given to the completion of projects in which one or more parcels have already been acquired and to the acquisition of lands containing ecological resources which are either not represented or underrepresented on lands currently in public ownership. The Legislature also intends that future acquisitions under the Florida Preservation 2000 Program be limited to projects on the current project lists, or any additions to the list as determined and prioritized by the study, or those projects that can reasonably be expected to be acquired by the end of the Florida Preservation 2000 Program.

(5)  Any funds received by the Division of Forestry from the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund pursuant to paragraph (3)(e) shall be used only to pay the cost of the acquisition of lands in furtherance of outdoor recreation and natural resources conservation in this state. The administration and use of any funds received by the Division of Forestry from the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund will be subject to such terms and conditions imposed thereon by the agency of the state responsible for the issuance of the revenue bonds, the proceeds of which are deposited in the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund, including restrictions imposed to ensure that the interest on any such revenue bonds issued by the state as tax-exempt revenue bonds will not be included in the gross income of the holders of such bonds for federal income tax purposes. All deeds or leases with respect to any real property acquired with funds received by the Division of Forestry from the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund shall contain such covenants and restrictions as are sufficient to ensure that the use of such real property at all times complies with s. 375.051 and s. 9, Art. XII of the 1968 Constitution of Florida; and shall contain reverter clauses providing for the reversion of title to such property to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund or, in the case of a lease of such property, providing for termination of the lease upon a failure to use the property conveyed thereby for such purposes.

(6)  DISPOSITION OF LANDS.--

(a)  Any lands acquired pursuant to paragraph (3)(a), paragraph (3)(c), paragraph (3)(d), paragraph (3)(e), paragraph (3)(f), or paragraph (3)(g), if title to such lands is vested in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, may be disposed of by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund in accordance with the provisions and procedures set forth in s. 253.034(6), and lands acquired pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be disposed of by the owning water management district in accordance with the procedures and provisions set forth in ss. 373.056 and 373.089 provided such disposition also shall satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c).

(b)  Before land may be surplused as required by s. 253.034(6), or determined to be no longer required for its purposes under s. 373.056(4), whichever may be applicable, there shall first be a determination by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, or, in the case of water management district lands, by the owning water management district, that such land no longer needs to be preserved in furtherance of the intent of the Florida Preservation 2000 Act. Any lands eligible to be disposed of under this procedure also may be used to acquire other lands through an exchange of lands, provided such lands obtained in an exchange are described in the same paragraph of subsection (3) as the lands disposed.

(c)  Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), no such disposition of land shall be made if such disposition would have the effect of causing all or any portion of the interest on any revenue bonds issued to fund the Florida Preservation 2000 Act to lose their exclusion from gross income for purposes of federal income taxation. Any revenue derived from the disposal of such lands may not be used for any purpose except for deposit into the Florida Preservation 2000 Trust Fund for recredit to the share held under subsection (3), in which such disposed land is described.

(7)  ALTERNATE USES OF ACQUIRED LANDS.--

(a)  The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, or, in the case of water management district lands, the owning water management district, may authorize the granting of a lease, easement, or license for the use of any lands acquired pursuant to subsection (3), for any governmental use permitted by s. 17, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as adopted by s. 9(a), Art. XII of the State Constitution, and any other incidental public or private use that is determined by the board or the owning water management district to be compatible with the purposes for which such lands were acquired.

(b)  Any existing lease, easement, or license acquired for incidental public or private use on, under, or across any lands acquired pursuant to subsection (3) shall be presumed not to be incompatible with the purposes for which such lands were acquired.

(c)  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), no such lease, easement, or license shall be entered into by the Department of Environmental Protection or other appropriate state agency if the granting of such lease, easement, or license would adversely affect the exclusion of the interest on any revenue bonds issued to fund the acquisition of the affected lands from gross income for federal income tax purposes, as described in s. 375.045(4).

(8)  PLAN FOR DISPOSAL AND USE OF LANDS.--The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund may adopt a plan for a specific geographic area authorizing the disposal and use of lands acquired pursuant to subsection (3) which meets the requirements of subsections (6) and (7).

(9)(a)  The Legislature finds that, with the increasing pressures on the natural areas of this state, the state must develop creative techniques to maximize the use of acquisition and management moneys. The Legislature also finds that the state's environmental land-buying agencies should be encouraged to augment their traditional, fee simple acquisition programs with the use of alternatives to fee simple acquisition techniques. The Legislature also finds that using alternatives to fee simple acquisition by public land-buying agencies will achieve the following public policy goals:

1.  Allow more lands to be brought under public protection for preservation, conservation, and recreational purposes at less expense using public funds.

2.  Retain, on local government tax rolls, some portion of or interest in lands which are under public protection.

3.  Reduce long-term management costs by allowing private property owners to continue acting as stewards of the land, where appropriate.

Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that public land-buying agencies develop programs to pursue alternatives to fee simple acquisition and to educate private landowners about such alternatives and the benefits of such alternatives. It also is the intent of the Legislature that the department and the water management districts spend a portion of their shares of Preservation 2000 bond proceeds to purchase eligible properties using alternatives to fee simple acquisition. Finally, it is the intent of the Legislature that public agencies acquire lands in fee simple for public access and recreational activities. Lands protected using alternatives to fee simple acquisition techniques shall not be accessible to the public unless such access is negotiated with and agreed to by the private landowners who retain interests in such lands.

(b)  The Land Acquisition Advisory Council and the water management districts shall identify, within their 1997 acquisition plans, those projects which require a full fee simple interest to achieve the public policy goals, along with the reasons why full title is determined to be necessary. The council and the water management districts may use alternatives to fee simple acquisition to bring the remaining projects in their acquisition plans under public protection. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "alternatives to fee simple acquisition" includes, but is not limited to: purchase of development rights; conservation easements; flowage easements; purchase of timber rights, mineral rights, or hunting rights; purchase of agricultural interests or silvicultural interests; land protection agreements; fee simple acquisitions with reservations; or any other acquisition technique which achieves the public policy goals listed in paragraph (a). It is presumed that a private landowner retains the full range of uses for all the rights or interests in the landowner's land which are not specifically acquired by the public agency. Life estates and fee simple acquisitions with leaseback provisions shall not qualify as an alternative to fee simple acquisition under this subsection, although the department and the districts are encouraged to use such techniques where appropriate.

(c)  The department and each water management district shall implement initiatives to use alternatives to fee simple acquisition and to educate private landowners about such alternatives. These initiatives shall include at least two acquisitions a year by the department and each water management district utilizing alternatives to fee simple.

(d)  The Legislature finds that the lack of direct sales comparison information has served as an impediment to successful implementation of alternatives to fee simple acquisition. It is the intent of the Legislature that, in the absence of direct comparable sales information, appraisals of alternatives to fee simple acquisitions be based on the difference between the full fee simple valuation and the value of the interests remaining with the seller after acquisition.

(e)  The public agency which has been assigned management responsibility shall inspect and monitor any less-than-fee-simple interest according to the terms of the purchase agreement relating to such interest.

(f)  The department and the water management districts may enter into joint acquisition agreements to jointly fund the purchase of lands using alternatives to fee simple techniques.

History.--s. 1, ch. 90-217; s. 2, ch. 91-62; s. 7, ch. 91-80; s. 1, ch. 91-192; s. 5, ch. 92-288; s. 64, ch. 93-206; s. 3, ch. 94-115; s. 3, ch. 94-212; s. 17, ch. 94-240; s. 104, ch. 94-356; s. 1, ch. 95-334; s. 4, ch. 95-349; s. 6, ch. 96-389; s. 37, ch. 97-153; ss. 9, 10, ch. 97-164; s. 13, ch. 98-336; s. 35, ch. 99-13; s. 20, ch. 99-247; s. 2, ch. 2000-129; s. 31, ch. 2000-152; s. 40, ch. 2000-158; s. 10, ch. 2000-170; s. 7, ch. 2000-197.

259.105  The Florida Forever Act.--

(1)  This section may be cited as the "Florida Forever Act."

(2)(a)  The Legislature finds and declares that:

1.  The Preservation 2000 program provided tremendous financial resources for purchasing environmentally significant lands to protect those lands from imminent development, thereby assuring present and future generations access to important open spaces and recreation and conservation lands.

2.  The continued alteration and development of Florida's natural areas to accommodate the state's rapidly growing population have contributed to the degradation of water resources, the fragmentation and destruction of wildlife habitats, the loss of outdoor recreation space, and the diminishment of wetlands, forests, and public beaches.

3.  The potential development of Florida's remaining natural areas and escalation of land values require a continuation of government efforts to restore, bring under public protection, or acquire lands and water areas to preserve the state's invaluable quality of life.

4.  Florida's groundwater, surface waters, and springs are under tremendous pressure due to population growth and economic expansion and require special protection and restoration efforts. To ensure that sufficient quantities of water are available to meet the current and future needs of the natural systems and citizens of the state, and assist in achieving the planning goals of the department and the water management districts, water resource development projects on public lands, where compatible with the resource values of and management objectives for the lands, are appropriate.

5.  The needs of urban Florida for high-quality outdoor recreational opportunities, greenways, trails, and open space have not been fully met by previous acquisition programs. Through such programs as the Florida Communities Trust and the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, the state shall place additional emphasis on acquiring, protecting, preserving, and restoring open space, greenways, and recreation properties within urban areas where pristine natural communities or water bodies no longer exist because of the proximity of developed property.

6.  Many of Florida's unique ecosystems, such as the Florida Everglades, are facing ecological collapse due to Florida's burgeoning population. To preserve these valuable ecosystems for future generations, parcels of land must be acquired to facilitate ecosystem restoration.

7.  Access to public lands to support a broad range of outdoor recreational opportunities and the development of necessary infrastructure, where compatible with the resource values of and management objectives for such lands, promotes an appreciation for Florida's natural assets and improves the quality of life.

8.  Acquisition of lands, in fee simple or in any lesser interest, should be based on a comprehensive assessment of Florida's natural resources and planned so as to protect the integrity of ecological systems and provide multiple benefits, including preservation of fish and wildlife habitat, recreation space for urban as well as rural areas, and water recharge.

9.  The state has embraced performance-based program budgeting as a tool to evaluate the achievements of publicly funded agencies, build in accountability, and reward those agencies which are able to consistently achieve quantifiable goals. While previous and existing state environmental programs have achieved varying degrees of success, few of these programs can be evaluated as to the extent of their achievements, primarily because performance measures, standards, outcomes, and goals were not established at the outset. Therefore, the Florida Forever program shall be developed and implemented in the context of measurable state goals and objectives.

10.  It is the intent of the Legislature to change the focus and direction of the state's major land acquisition programs and to extend funding and bonding capabilities, so that future generations may enjoy the natural resources of Florida.

(b)  The Legislature recognizes that acquisition is only one way to achieve the aforementioned goals and encourages the development of creative partnerships between governmental agencies and private landowners. Land protection agreements and similar tools should be used, where appropriate, to bring environmentally sensitive tracts under an acceptable level of protection at a lower financial cost to the public, and to provide private landowners with the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from their property.

(c)  Public agencies or other entities that receive funds under this section are encouraged to better coordinate their expenditures so that project acquisitions, when combined with acquisitions under Preservation 2000, Save Our Rivers, the Florida Communities Trust, and other public land acquisition programs, will form more complete patterns of protection for natural areas and functioning ecosystems, to better accomplish the intent of this section.

(d)  A long-term financial commitment to managing Florida's public lands must accompany any new land acquisition program to ensure that the natural resource values of such lands are protected, that the public has the opportunity to enjoy the lands to their fullest potential, and that the state achieves the full benefits of its investment of public dollars.

(e)  With limited dollars available for restoration and acquisition of land and water areas and for providing long-term management and capital improvements, a competitive selection process can select those projects best able to meet the goals of Florida Forever and maximize the efficient use of the program's funding.

(f)  To ensure success and provide accountability to the citizens of this state, it is the intent of the Legislature that any bond proceeds used pursuant to this section be used to implement the goals and objectives recommended by the Florida Forever Advisory Council as approved by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and the Legislature.

(g)  As it has with previous land acquisition programs, the Legislature recognizes the desires of the citizens of this state to prosper through economic development and to preserve the natural areas and recreational open space of Florida. The Legislature further recognizes the urgency of restoring the natural functions of public lands or water bodies before they are degraded to a point where recovery may never occur, yet acknowledges the difficulty of ensuring adequate funding for restoration efforts in light of other equally critical financial needs of the state. It is the Legislature's desire and intent to fund the implementation of this section and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner, by issuing bonds to be repaid with documentary stamp tax revenue.

(3)  Less the costs of issuing and the costs of funding reserve accounts and other costs associated with bonds, the proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Florida Forever Trust Fund created by s. 259.1051. The proceeds shall be distributed by the Department of Environmental Protection in the following manner:

(a)  Thirty-five percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the acquisition of lands and capital project expenditures necessary to implement the water management districts' priority lists developed pursuant to s. 373.199. The funds are to be distributed to the water management districts as provided in subsection (11). A minimum of 50 percent of the total funds provided over the life of the Florida Forever program pursuant to this paragraph shall be used for the acquisition of lands.

(b)  Thirty-five percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the acquisition of lands and capital project expenditures described in this section. Of the proceeds distributed pursuant to this paragraph, it is the intent of the Legislature that an increased priority be given to those acquisitions which achieve a combination of conservation goals, including protecting Florida's water resources and natural groundwater recharge. Capital project expenditures may not exceed 10 percent of the funds allocated pursuant to this paragraph.

(c)  Twenty-two percent to the Department of Community Affairs for use by the Florida Communities Trust for the purposes of part III of chapter 380, as described and limited by this subsection, and grants to local governments or nonprofit environmental organizations that are tax exempt under s. 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code for the acquisition of community-based projects, urban open spaces, parks, and greenways to implement local government comprehensive plans. From funds available to the trust and used for land acquisition, 75 percent shall be matched by local governments on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The Legislature intends that the Florida Communities Trust emphasize funding projects in low-income or otherwise disadvantaged communities. At least 30 percent of the total allocation provided to the trust shall be used in Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas, but one-half of that amount shall be used in localities in which the project site is located in built-up commercial, industrial, or mixed-use areas and functions to intersperse open spaces within congested urban core areas. From funds allocated to the trust, no less than 5 percent shall be used to acquire lands for recreational trail systems, provided that in the event these funds are not needed for such projects, they will be available for other trust projects. Local governments may use federal grants or loans, private donations, or environmental mitigation funds, including environmental mitigation funds required pursuant to s. 338.250, for any part or all of any local match required for acquisitions funded through the Florida Communities Trust. Any lands purchased by nonprofit organizations using funds allocated under this paragraph must provide for such lands to remain permanently in public use through a reversion of title to local or state government, conservation easement, or other appropriate mechanism. Projects funded with funds allocated to the Trust shall be selected in a competitive process measured against criteria adopted in rule by the Trust.

(d)  Two percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for grants pursuant to s. 375.075.

(e)  One and five-tenths percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purchase of inholdings and additions to state parks and for capital project expenditures as described in this section. Capital project expenditures may not exceed 10 percent of the funds allocated under this paragraph. For the purposes of this paragraph, "state park" means any real property in the state which is under the jurisdiction of the Division of Recreation and Parks of the department, or which may come under its jurisdiction.

(f)  One and five-tenths percent to the Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to fund the acquisition of state forest inholdings and additions pursuant to s. 589.07, the implementation of reforestation plans or sustainable forestry management practices, and for capital project expenditures as described in this section. Capital project expenditures may not exceed 10 percent of the funds allocated under this paragraph.

(g)  One and five-tenths percent to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to fund the acquisition of inholdings and additions to lands managed by the commission which are important to the conservation of fish and wildlife and for capital project expenditures as described in this section. Capital project expenditures may not exceed 10 percent of the funds allocated under this paragraph.

(h)  One and five-tenths percent to the Department of Environmental Protection for the Florida Greenways and Trails Program, to acquire greenways and trails or greenways and trail systems pursuant to chapter 260, including, but not limited to, abandoned railroad rights-of-way and the Florida National Scenic Trail and for capital project expenditures as described in this section. Capital project expenditures may not exceed 10 percent of the funds allocated under this paragraph.

(i)  It is the intent of the Legislature that proceeds of Florida Forever bonds distributed under this section shall be expended in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner. An agency that receives proceeds from Florida Forever bonds under this section may not maintain a balance of unencumbered funds in its Florida Forever subaccount beyond 3 fiscal years from the date of deposit of funds from each bond issue. Any funds that have not been expended or encumbered after 3 fiscal years from the date of deposit shall be distributed by the Legislature at its next regular session for use in the Florida Forever program.

(j)  For the purposes of paragraphs (d), (e), (f), and (g), the agencies which receive the funds shall develop their individual acquisition or restoration lists. Proposed additions may be acquired if they are identified within the original project boundary, the management plan required pursuant to s. 253.034(5), or the management prospectus required pursuant to s. 259.032(9)(d). Proposed additions not meeting the requirements of this paragraph shall be submitted to the Acquisition and Restoration Council for approval. The council may only approve the proposed addition if it meets two or more of the following criteria: serves as a link or corridor to other publicly owned property; enhances the protection or management of the property; would add a desirable resource to the property; would create a more manageable boundary configuration; has a high resource value that otherwise would be unprotected; or can be acquired at less than fair market value.

(4)  It is the intent of the Legislature that projects or acquisitions funded pursuant to paragraphs (3)(a) and (b) contribute to the achievement of the following goals:

(a)  An increase in the level of protection for, or an increase in the populations of, listed plant species, as measured by the number of occurrences, acres of strategic habitat areas, or delisting or redesignation of such species.

(b)  An increase in the level of protection for, or an increase in the populations of, listed animal species, as measured by the number of occurrences, acres of strategic habitat areas, delisting or redesignation of such species, or the change in long-term survival rates.

(c)  The restoration of land areas, as measured by a reduction in nonnative species, level of maintenance control of invasive species, reforestation rates, or regeneration of natural communities.

(d)  An increase in public landholdings needed to meet the goals of this subsection, as measured by the acquisition of lands in fee simple or with less than fee simple alternatives.

(e)  The completion of projects begun under previous land acquisition programs, as measured through the acquisition of land under inholdings and additions programs.

(f)  An increase in the amount of forest land for sustainable natural resources.

(g)  An increase in public recreational opportunities, as measured by the acreage available for recreational opportunities or the number of miles available for greenways or trails.

(h)  A reduction in the amount of pollutants flowing into Florida's surface waters, as measured by a reduction in the number of surface water bodies designated as impaired.

(i)  The improvement of water recharge rates on public lands, as measured by increased speed of recharge and amount of cubic feet of water made available.

(j)  The restoration of water areas, as measured by a reduction of nonnative species, level of maintenance control of invasive species, regeneration of natural communities, reduction of excessive sedimentation, removal of impediments, or reduction of shoreline erosion.

(k)  The protection of natural floodplain functions and prevention of or reduction in flood damage, as measured by the number of acres of floodplain in public ownership.

(l)  The restoration of degraded water bodies, as measured by the number of goals implemented under a surface water improvement plan or other restoration plans.

(m)  The restoration of wetlands, as measured by the number of acres of previously converted wetlands returned to a functioning status.

(n)  The preservation of strategic wetlands, as measured by the number of acres acquired.

(o)  The preservation of, or reduction of contaminants in, aquifers and springs, as measured by contaminant levels or the number of acres of recharge areas acquired.

(p)  The implementation of practices that provide sufficient quantities of water available to meet current and future needs of the natural system and residents of the state, as measured by execution of water-resource-development components of the districts' water management plans. However, funds provided for capital improvements under this purpose are limited to those provided the water management districts in paragraph (3)(a).

(q)  An increase in the state's inventory of historical and cultural sites as measured by the number of sites acquired.

(r)  An increase in the protection of fragile coastal resources, as measured by the linear feet and acreage of coastline acquired.

(s)  An increase in the protection of significant surface waters of the state, as measured by the acreage of lands acquired to buffer them.

(5)(a)  All lands acquired pursuant to this section shall be managed for multiple-use purposes, where compatible with the resource values of and management objectives for such lands. As used in this section, "multiple-use" includes, but is not limited to, outdoor recreational activities as described in ss. 253.034 and 259.032(9)(b), water resource development projects, and sustainable forestry management.

(b)  Upon a decision by the entity in which title to lands acquired pursuant to this section has vested, such lands may be designated single use as defined in s. 253.034(2)(b).

(6)  As provided in this section, a water resource or water supply development project may be allowed only if the following conditions are met: minimum flows and levels have been established for those waters, if any, which may reasonably be expected to experience significant harm to water resources as a result of the project; the project complies with all applicable permitting requirements; and the project is consistent with the regional water supply plan, if any, of the water management district and with relevant recovery or prevention strategies if required pursuant to s. 373.0421(2).

(7)(a)  Beginning no later than July 1, 2001, and every year thereafter, the Acquisition and Restoration Council shall accept applications from state agencies, local governments, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, private land trusts, and individuals for project proposals eligible for funding pursuant to paragraph (3)(b). The council shall evaluate the proposals received pursuant to this subsection to ensure that they meet at least one of the criteria under subsection (9).

(b)  Project applications shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

1.  A minimum of two numeric performance measures that directly relate to the overall goals adopted by the council. Each performance measure shall include a baseline measurement, which is the current situation; a performance standard which the project sponsor anticipates the project will achieve; and the performance measurement itself, which should reflect the incremental improvements the project accomplishes towards achieving the performance standard.

2.  Proof that property owners within any proposed acquisition have been notified of their inclusion in the proposed project. Any property owner may request the removal of such property from further consideration by submitting a request to the project sponsor or the Acquisition and Restoration Council by certified mail. Upon receiving this request, the council shall delete the property from the proposed project; however, the board of trustees, at the time it votes to approve the proposed project lists pursuant to subsection (16), may add the property back on to the project lists if it determines by a super majority of its members that such property is critical to achieve the purposes of the project.

(c)  The title to lands acquired under this section shall vest in the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, except that title to lands acquired by a water management district shall vest in the name of that district and lands acquired by a local government shall vest in the name of the purchasing local government.

(8)  The Acquisition and Restoration Council shall develop a project list that shall represent those projects submitted pursuant to subsection (7).

(9)  The Acquisition and Restoration Council shall recommend rules for adoption by the board of trustees to competitively evaluate, select, and rank projects eligible for Florida Forever funds pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) and for additions to the Conservation and Recreation Lands list pursuant to ss. 259.032 and 259.101(4). In developing these proposed rules, the Acquisition and Restoration Council shall give weight to the following criteria:

(a)  The project meets multiple goals described in subsection (4).

(b)  The project is part of an ongoing governmental effort to restore, protect, or develop land areas or water resources.

(c)  The project enhances or facilitates management of properties already under public ownership.

(d)  The project has significant archaeological or historic value.

(e)  The project has funding sources that are identified and assured through at least the first 2 years of the project.

(f)  The project contributes to the solution of water resource problems on a regional basis.

(g)  The project has a significant portion of its land area in imminent danger of development, in imminent danger of losing its significant natural attributes or recreational open space, or in imminent danger of subdivision which would result in multiple ownership and make acquisition of the project costly or less likely to be accomplished.

(h)  The project implements an element from a plan developed by an ecosystem management team.

(i)  The project is one of the components of the Everglades restoration effort.

(j)  The project may be purchased at 80 percent of appraised value.

(k)  The project may be acquired, in whole or in part, using alternatives to fee simple, including but not limited to, purchase of development rights, hunting rights, agricultural or silvicultural rights, or mineral rights or obtaining conservation easements or flowage easements.

(l)  The project is a joint acquisition, either among public agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private entities, or by a public-private partnership.

(10)  The Acquisition and Restoration Council shall give increased priority to those projects for which matching funds are available and to project elements previously identified on an acquisition list pursuant to this section that can be acquired at 80 percent or less of appraised value.

(11)  For the purposes of funding projects pursuant to paragraph (3)(a), the Secretary of Environmental Protection shall ensure that each water management district receives the following percentage of funds annually:

(a)  Thirty-five percent to the South Florida Water Management District, of which amount $25 million shall be transferred by the Department of Environmental Protection into the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund.

(b)  Twenty-five percent to the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

(c)  Twenty-five percent to the St. John's River Water Management District.

(d)  Seven and one-half percent to the Suwannee River Water Management District.

(e)  Seven and one-half percent to the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

(12)  It is the intent of the Legislature that in developing the list of projects for funding pursuant to paragraph (3)(a), that these funds not be used to abrogate the financial responsibility of those point and nonpoint sources that have contributed to the degradation of water or land areas. Therefore, an increased priority shall be given by the water management district governing boards to those projects that have secured a cost-sharing agreement allocating responsibility for the cleanup of point and nonpoint sources.

(13)  An affirmative vote of five members of the Acquisition and Restoration Council shall be required in order to place a proposed project on the list developed pursuant to subsection (8). Any member of the council who by family or a business relationship has a connection with any project proposed to be ranked shall declare such interest prior to voting for a project's inclusion on the list.

(14)  Each year that bonds are to be issued pursuant to this section, the Acquisition and Restoration Council shall review the most current approved project list and shall, by the first board meeting in May, present to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for approval a listing of projects developed pursuant to subsection (8). The board of trustees may remove projects from the list developed pursuant to this subsection, but may not add projects or rearrange project rankings.

(15)  The Acquisition and Restoration Council shall submit to the board of trustees, with its list of projects, a report that includes, but shall not be limited to, the following information for each project listed:

(a)  The stated purpose for inclusion.

(b)  Projected costs to achieve the project goals.

(c)  An interim management budget.

(d)  Specific performance measures.

(e)  Plans for public access.

(f)  An identification of the essential parcel or parcels within the project without which the project cannot be properly managed.

(g)  Where applicable, an identification of those projects or parcels within projects which should be acquired in fee simple or in less than fee simple.

(h)  An identification of those lands being purchased for conservation purposes.

(i)  A management policy statement for the project and a management prospectus pursuant to s. 259.032(9)(d).

(j)  An estimate of land value based on county tax assessed values.

(k)  A map delineating project boundaries.

(l)  An assessment of the project's ecological value, outdoor recreational value, forest resources, wildlife resources, ownership pattern, utilization, and location.

(m)  A discussion of whether alternative uses are proposed for the property and what those uses are.

(n)  A designation of the management agency or agencies.

(16)  All proposals for projects pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) or subsection (20) shall be implemented only if adopted by the Acquisition and Restoration Council and approved by the board of trustees. The council shall consider and evaluate in writing the merits and demerits of each project that is proposed for Florida Forever funding and each proposed addition to the Conservation and Recreation Lands list program. The council shall ensure that each proposed project will meet a stated public purpose for the restoration, conservation, or preservation of environmentally sensitive lands and water areas or for providing outdoor recreational opportunities and that each proposed addition to the Conservation and Recreation Lands list will meet the public purposes under s. 259.032(3) and, when applicable, s. 259.101(4). The council also shall determine whether the project or addition conforms, where applicable, with the comprehensive plan developed pursuant to s. 259.04(1)(a), the comprehensive multipurpose outdoor recreation plan developed pursuant to s. 375.021, the state lands management plan adopted pursuant to s. 253.03(7), the water resources work plans developed pursuant to s. 373.199, and the provisions of this section.

(17)(a)  The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, or, in the case of water management district lands, the owning water management district, may authorize the granting of a lease, easement, or license for the use of certain lands acquired pursuant to this section, for certain uses that are determined by the appropriate board to be compatible with the resource values of and management objectives for such lands.

(b)  Any existing lease, easement, or license acquired for incidental public or private use on, under, or across any lands acquired pursuant to this section shall be presumed to be compatible with the purposes for which such lands were acquired.

(c)  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), no such lease, easement, or license shall be entered into by the Department of Environmental Protection or other appropriate state agency if the granting of such lease, easement, or license would adversely affect the exclusion of the interest on any revenue bonds issued to fund the acquisition of the affected lands from gross income for federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service regulations.

(18)  The Acquisition and Restoration Council shall recommend adoption of rules by the board of trustees necessary to implement the provisions of this section relating to: solicitation, scoring, selecting, and ranking of Florida Forever project proposals; disposing of or leasing lands or water areas selected for funding through the Florida Forever program; and the process of reviewing and recommending for approval or rejection the land management plans associated with publicly owned properties. Rules promulgated pursuant to this subsection shall be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for review by the Legislature, no later than 30 days prior to the 2001 Regular Session and shall become effective only after legislative review. In its review, the Legislature may reject, modify, or take no action relative to such rules. The board of trustees shall conform such rules to changes made by the Legislature, or, if no action was taken by the Legislature, such rules shall become effective.

(19)  Lands listed as projects for acquisition under the Florida Forever program may be managed for conservation pursuant to s. 259.032, on an interim basis by a private party in anticipation of a state purchase in accordance with a contractual arrangement between the acquiring agency and the private party that may include management service contracts, leases, cost-share arrangements, or resource conservation agreements. Lands designated as eligible under this subsection shall be managed to maintain or enhance the resources the state is seeking to protect by acquiring the land. Funding for these contractual arrangements may originate from the documentary stamp tax revenue deposited into the Conservation and Recreation Lands Trust Fund and Water Management Lands Trust Fund. No more than 5 percent of funds allocated under the trust funds shall be expended for this purpose.

(20)  The Acquisition and Restoration Council, as successors to the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council, may amend existing Conservation and Recreation Lands projects and add to or delete from the 2000 Conservation and Recreation Lands list until funding for the Conservation and Recreation Lands program has been expended. The amendments to the 2000 Conservation and Recreation Lands list will be reported to the board of trustees in conjunction with the council's report developed pursuant to subsection (15).

History.--s. 21, ch. 99-247; s. 3, ch. 2000-129; s. 32, ch. 2000-152; s. 11, ch. 2000-170.

259.1051  Florida Forever Trust Fund.--

(1)  There is created the Florida Forever Trust Fund to carry out the purposes of ss. 259.032, 259.105, and 375.031. The Florida Forever Trust Fund shall be held and administered by the Department of Environmental Protection. Proceeds from the sale of bonds, except proceeds of refunding bonds, issued under s. 215.618 and payable from moneys transferred to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund under s. 201.15(1)(a), not to exceed $3 billion, must be deposited into this trust fund to be distributed and used as provided in s. 259.105(3). The bond resolution adopted by the governing board of the Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration may provide for additional provisions that govern the disbursement of the bond proceeds.

(2)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall distribute revenues from the Florida Forever Trust Fund only to programs of state agencies or local governments as set out in s. 259.105(3). Excluding distributions to the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund, the distributions shall be spent by the recipient within 90 days after the date on which the Department of Environmental Protection initiates the transfer.

(3)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall ensure that the proceeds from the sale of bonds issued under s. 215.618 and payable from moneys transferred to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund under s. 201.15(1)(a) shall be administered and expended in a manner that ensures compliance of each issue of bonds that are issued on the basis that interest thereon will be excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes, with the applicable provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent necessary to preserve the exclusion of interest on the bonds from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Department of Environmental Protection shall administer the use and disbursement of the proceeds of such bonds or require that the use and disbursement thereof be administered in a manner to implement strategies to maximize any available benefits under the applicable provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code or regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent not inconsistent with the purposes identified in s. 259.105(3).

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-246; s. 4, ch. 2000-129.