Florida voters put $1.24 billion behind land and water.
Seven county measures passed on November 3. With Bonita Springs' August vote, the 2026 conservation total reached $1.24 billion across eight measures.
Florida voters approved seven county conservation measures on November 3. Combined with a Bonita Springs rail-trail measure approved in August, Trust for Public Land and the Live Wildly Foundation put the 2026 total at $1.24 billion across eight votes.
WHAT HAPPENED
The measures include an estimated $670 million renewal for Indian River Lagoon work in Brevard County; bonds or dedicated funding for conservation land, water, parks and working farms in Charlotte, Manatee, Marion, Santa Rosa, Sarasota and St. Johns counties; and the earlier $35 million Bonita Estero Rail Trail measure. The organizations said each November measure passed with at least 73% support, based on then-current unofficial results. The votes create or continue funding authority; projects and acquisitions still require implementation and oversight.
WHY THIS IS HOPESLOP
Conservation usually arrives one parcel, easement or restoration contract at a time. This time, voters in eight Florida communities supplied the long runway: public money that can keep water cleaner, connect wildlife habitat and protect places before development closes the option.
ORIGINAL SOURCETrust for Public Land / Live Wildly FoundationRead the original report
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