Policy

Explore Our Legislative Priorities

• Protect Natural Treasures

  At the heart of TNC’s mission is a simple yet challenging premise: the need to conserve our freshwater, terrestrial, estuarine and marine ecosystems and the biodiversity they hold. The quality of life that Florida’s residents and visitors enjoy and the economy that enables it depend largely on our state’s unmatched natural resources. We must accommodate 23 million current residents, more than 800 new residents every day, and 140 million visitors; we must also balance development with preserving the natural treasures that attract those people. In recent years, Governor DeSantis and the Legislature have made investing in the conservation of rare, sensitive and ecologically important lands a priority, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor is the signature element of the Sunshine State’s ability to continue that legacy. The Corridor protects wildlife, preserves pristine lands and waters, provides drinking water and supports major sectors of the regional economy like tourism and fishing. It is important to both nature and people that goals related to prioritizing the Corridor are realized.

• Reimagine and Innovate Solutions

  As an organization that is led by science, informed by data and engaged in the work of conservation on-the-ground and in-the-water, TNC in Florida champions fresh perspectives and novel problem-solving. Our state has opportunities to rethink old ways of approaching the challenges we face and to stand at the forefront of conservation innovations. As a trusted partner among policymakers, management agencies, scientists, agriculture, recreational anglers, the shellfish industry and more, TNC in Florida is uniquely positioned to help the state sustain healthy lands, oceans and water.

• Put Our Money Where Our Future Is

  Nature will take care of people if people take care of nature. Florida is a leader in funding the conservation of precious natural resources and recognizes the need for meaningful, sustainable investment in the work that ensures a bright future for both people and nature. We have an enduring legacy of leaders who prioritize the conservation and preservation of rare, sensitive and ecologically essential lands, waters and wildlife. TNC in Florida has been a long-term partner to the State by investing in the acquisition and management of property for protection, providing technical expertise and the means for scientific discovery, and informing policy decisions that contribute to our vision of a world where the diversity of life thrives and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

  Programs like Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program highlight the State’s dedication to conservation and preservation. Florida’s budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 directed almost $1 billion toward conserving lands and waterways, protecting water quality and supply, restoring Florida’s springs, and maintaining the National Gold Medal standard for our state park system in addition to more than $1 billion toward Everglades restoration and other important environmental issues. This legislative session allows us to continue demonstrating our commitment to a future for Florida that is abundant, connected and resilient, offering both nature and people the opportunity to thrive.

• Empower Local and Rural Communities

  To protect Florida’s wildlife, wildlands and natural resources, we must ensure that our built environment works in harmony with nature. From constructing new roadways and buildings to treating our yards with chemicals, everything we do in our built environment affects our natural ecosystems. Beyond protecting land and water, TNC in Florida restores habitats, works with farmers to enhance agricultural lands and protects critical wildlife corridors. The work that we and others do across the state is essential to the vitality of local communities affected by environmental impacts. Those communities must have the tools and authority necessary to achieve locally tailored conservation goals.

• Get Dirty

  TNC in Florida is often in the lead on solving the big challenges facing our state: water quality on our coasts and in our kitchens, wildlife habitat squeezed by growth, protecting our working waterfronts, sea-level rise on our coasts and protecting the last of Florida’s pristine places. Every day, our staff and partners roll up their sleeves and do the work of conserving, preserving and managing our natural resources. We understand the practical needs and implications related to legislative goal setting. After all the legislating and appropriating is finished, the job of protecting natural environments is done by passionate teams and individuals who need the support of our government and public policy.

Download a Copy

• 2025 Legislative Priorities

  Download a copy to support your discussions, committee work and budget planning. Contact information for our Government Relations Manager is included.

• Immediate and Lasting Impact for Florida Communities

  Floridians cherish their natural heritage and are committed to safeguarding it for the future. Land conservation helps improve water quality and supply, boosts resiliency against storms and provides habitat for diverse species. Protecting land also has economic benefits such as support for agricultural productivity and creating more opportunities for people to get outdoors and connect with nature. Investing in land conservation today ensures a healthier, more resilient environment and quality of life for all who call our state home.

• Why The Nature Conservancy Advocates for Nature

  Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

  We see an exciting future for nature. A future filled with opportunities and possibilities. A future where nature beats the odds. Where a better tomorrow exists thanks to forests, grasslands and streams. Coral reefs and mountain ranges. Animals great and small. Our human communities. By collaborating across boundaries, borders and divides, we can manifest this reality because together, we find a way.