Rural and Family Lands Protection Program: Safeguarding Florida’s Agricultural Future
Florida is growing fast—but with that growth comes increasing pressure on the farms, ranches, and timberlands that form the backbone of the state’s economy, food system, and rural communities. One program plays a quiet but powerful role in ensuring those lands remain productive for generations to come: the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP).
What Is the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program?
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and was established in 2001 through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act. The program is codified in Section 570.70, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 5I-7 of the Florida Administrative Code.
Its mission is simple but vital: protect working agricultural lands while keeping them in production.
How the Program Protects Agricultural Land
Instead of purchasing land outright, the RFLPP acquires permanent agricultural conservation easements (also called rural lands protection easements). These easements:
Prevent subdivision and development
Preserve land for agriculture and ranching
Allow landowners to retain private ownership
Enable continued farming, ranching, or timber operations
This “less-than-fee-simple” approach ensures land stays productive without adding long-term maintenance costs for taxpayers.
Core Goals of the RFLPP
The program is designed around three key objectives:
Protect valuable agricultural lands from development pressure
Support economically viable and sustainable agriculture
Protect natural resources—including water, wildlife habitat, and open space—alongside working farms and ranches
Rather than removing land from use, the RFLPP strengthens long-term stewardship while respecting daily agricultural operations.
How Projects Are Selected
The application and review process is thorough and transparent:
Technical Review Team evaluates submitted applications
Rural and Family Lands Selection Committee, appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, prioritizes eligible projects and hears public testimony
Final approval is granted by the Governor and Cabinet, acting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund
Only projects that clearly align with the program’s conservation, agricultural, and economic goals move forward.
What Makes Land Eligible?
To qualify for the program, agricultural lands must:
Be at risk of conversion to non-agricultural use
Provide meaningful economic, open space, water, or wildlife benefits
Support long-term agricultural viability in rural areas
Priority is given to:
Active ranches, farms, and timberlands
Operations contributing to a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply
Properties using sustainable land management practices
Lands that protect water resources, wildlife habitat, and natural systems
Why This Program Matters
Since its creation, the RFLPP has protected more than 225,000 acres of working agricultural land across Florida. That impact represents:
Stronger rural economies
Continued food and fiber production
Preserved wildlife corridors and water systems
A balanced approach to growth and conservation
Importantly, participating landowners remain part of the local tax base, helping rural communities stay economically resilient.
How Landowners Can Apply
Landowners interested in participating can apply during publicly noticed application cycles conducted by the department. Applications must meet statutory requirements outlined in:
Section 570.70, Florida Statutes
Chapter 5I-7, Florida Administrative Code
Important deadline:
Landowners seeking inclusion or exemption must submit applications by January 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Learn More
For official program details, application guidance, and current deadlines, visit: https://www.fdacs.gov/RFLPP