Months after public outcry halted a controversial land swap involving Guana Preserve in St. Johns County, Rep. Kim Kendall has introduced HB 441 to prevent similar deals from moving forward without public awareness.
The bill requires the Division of State Lands to publish key information on its website at least 30 days before the Board of Trustees reviews any proposed sales of conservation lands. This includes:
• Parcels of state-owned land up for sale
• A statement explaining why the land is no longer needed for conservation
For land exchanges, the bill also requires the Division to post, at least 30 days before the Acquisition and Restoration Council meets:
• Parcels of state-owned and privately owned land included in the exchange
• Portions of land that would be protected under permanent conservation easements
• A statement describing how the exchange benefits conservation
• Any recommendations from the Division and the council
“The public deserves to know what’s happening with our land before decisions are made,” Kendall said. “It’s our public money; it’s our public land.”
Guana Preserve isn’t the only park that has faced development pressure. Similar proposals involving Anastasia State Park and others were stopped after strong public opposition.
HB 441 will move to committee hearings next. If approved, it will head to the full legislature and then to the governor.
Kendall emphasized the bill’s purpose: “There needs to be transparency, more clarity, and more notice. We want to make sure Floridians are informed and involved every step of the way.”
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