Northwest Florida Conservation Easement Acquisition

The Northwest Florida Water Management District buys conservation easements (less-than-fee) from willing landowners to protect springs, river floodplains and water recharge areas, while the land stays in private ownership and on the tax rolls. Ranchers can keep ranching under agreed conditions. The 2026 work plan focuses on springs protection in the Jackson Blue, Chipola, Econfina and Wakulla areas.

• Willing sellers of land in the District's acquisition areas (Florida Panhandle river basins and springs groundwater contribution areas)

• Priority in 2026 for land that protects water flowing to and from springs (Jackson Blue, Chipola, Econfina, Wakulla)

• Not all properties are suitable for less-than-fee acquisition

Perpetual easement recorded in county records; landowner keeps title and management responsibility and gives up rights such as development, mineral extraction or land-use conversion; easement may be donated or sold.

Published amounts: The landowner can either donate the easement or be paid for it. No price schedule published.

Landowners offer their parcels to the District; contact the Division of Asset Management at (850) 539-5999.

Deadline text on the page: No deadline. The District's land acquisition process only involves willing sellers and is usually initiated by landowners offering parcels for sale. (2026 Florida Forever Work Plan)