Preserving Florida’s Land and Water for Future Generations

The Water and Land Conservation Amendment created what was believed to be the largest state-based conservation initiative in U.S. history. A third of the tax on real estate deals in Florida would be used to prevent every last inch of the state's land from getting chewed up by development.

Case Overview

On behalf of three Florida citizen’s groups, Earthjustice has filed suit to ask the court to compel the Florida Legislature to comply with the Water and Land Conservation Amendment in the state Constitution.

The Water and Land Conservation Amendment requires that, for the next 20 years, thirty-three percent of the proceeds from real estate documentary-stamp taxes (taxes on real estate transactions that the state has used for water and land conservation since 1968) go for land acquisition. For 2016, the share of the real-estate tax is projected to bring in more than $740 million. It is not a new tax; it merely takes an existing state tax source and earmarks it permanently to conservation.

The Amendment was most popular item on the entire statewide ballot in 2014—more popular than any candidate or issue.

The suit was filed in the Leon County Circuit Court on behalf of the Florida Wildlife Federation, the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida.

A great blue heron at sunset by a Florida waterway.
A great blue heron at sunset by a Florida waterway. The Water and Land Conservation Amendment created what was believed to be the largest state-based conservation initiative in U.S. history. (Photo courtesy of Vicki DeLoach)

Case Updates

Everglades National Park
September 19, 2018 Press Release

Conservationists Request Court Order In Constitutional Land-Buying Case Go Into Effect Immediately

In face of algae crisis, state should not wait to act during lengthy appeals process

Everglades National Park, Florida
July 25, 2018 Press Release

Florida Senate President and House Leader Ask Appeals Court to Overturn Major Land Conservation Victory

Ballot initiative diverts real estate taxes toward protecting public lands

June 28, 2018 Document

Amendment 1: Final Judgment Order

In the Circuit Court for the Second Judicial Circuit in and for Leon County, Florida. Case Numbers: 2015-CA-001423 and 20 l 5-CA-002682.