Our Conservation Toolbox

Conserving the rural and natural areas of Florida is essential to the long-term health and prosperity of our region’s wildlife, people, and communities. With continuing growth, our natural areas, farms and ranchlands are under stress from encroaching development and overuse.

History shows that landowners have a deep connection to their land and many are making the decision to protect their land for their family and for future generations. Our whole community wins when thoughtful landowners conserve their land, protecting wildlife habitat, clean drinking water, scenic landscapes, recreational spaces, and productive agricultural lands.

How We Can Help

By working with a nonprofit land trust, such as the Conservation Trust for Florida, landowners can decide which conservation tool is best for protecting their land. They can select from a number of tools to donate or sell their property.

There may also be income, estate and property tax benefits for donating land, donating a conservation easement, or selling the property as a "bargain sale" at below market value.  Although we are eager to help you explore your options, we strongly recommend that landowners have legal and financial advice before embarking on any decision regarding their property.

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Conservation Options Glossary

Conservation Easements

A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently limits uses of the land to protect its conservation values. By removing the land’s development potential, the easement lowers its market value, which in turn lowers the estate tax. Whether the easement is sold or donated during life or by will, it can make a critical difference in the heirs’ ability to keep the land intact.

Conservation easements do not require a landowner to grant public access across private property. Conservation easements are extremely flexible, and each is tailored specifically to the individual landowner and the landowner's family. Learn the nuts and bolts.

Land Donation

Donating land for conservation purposes is truly one of the finest legacies a person can leave to future generations. It may be the best conservation strategy for the landowner if they (a) do not wish to pass the land on to heirs; (b) own property they no longer use; (c) own highly appreciated property; (d) have substantial real estate holdings and wish to reduce estate tax burdens; or (e) would like to be relieved of the responsibility of managing and caring for land.

Donating can provide substantial income tax deductions and estate tax benefits (while avoiding any capital gains taxes that would have resulted from selling the property). Most important, if the land is donated because of its conservation value, it will be protected. Learn about the different types of land donation.