Property Rights/Land Management

157. Eminent Domain
The legal basis for an eminent domain taking of private property should not be solely to increase the taxable value of the property. (OVERSIGHT)

158. Jurisdictional Wetlands
We oppose any expansion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ authority pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) beyond that which it has historically exercised over water of the United States. We urge legislation to clarify the Corps’ responsibilities and limit its regulatory authority over isolated wetlands and navigable waters. (WATER/NATURAL RESOURCES)

159. Less-than-Fee Acquisition
As a result of a very aggressive land acquisition program, the state has greatly increased the amount of publicly owned land.  We believe that any future land acquisitions should be restricted to less-than-fee simple acquisitions such as the purchase of development rights or conservation easements or agricultural easements. In addition, state, regional and local governments should coordinate funding for acquisitions in order to leverage tax dollars and seek federal matching funds where applicable.

We support less-than-fee acquisitions as long as they are voluntary, incentive-based, allow for the continued economically viable use of the property for agriculture.  We do not support public access without consent of the landowner.

We feel that state land conservation programs that focus on less-than-fee acquisitions offer the state, the conservation community and the landowner a win-win situation because:

a.    limited state financial resources can be stretched further;
b.    the private landowner maintains the stewardship of the property-saving tax payer dollars that would otherwise be necessary for management;
c.    the land stays on the tax rolls, and;
d.     economic activity continues on the property. (WATER/NATURAL RESOURCES)

160. Private Property Rights
We strongly believe in and uphold the sanctity of private property rights upon which this country was founded. Short of constituting a public health hazard, property owners should be allowed and encouraged to use their property for their own benefit. (OVERSIGHT)

161. Public Lands Management
Government agencies purchasing land should establish management guidelines and criteria for purchased lands in a timely manner.  

When applicable, agriculture should be given priority as a land management tool that would allow those lands to be available for lease and management (e.g. grazing, silvopasture, or forestry entities).  The governing bodies should provide that income from public lands, when legislatively approved, be utilized for management and payment in lieu of taxes.  

When lands acquired for a specific public purpose but not used for that purpose within a reasonable time, the prior owners, or their heirs should have the first right of refusal.

When agricultural lands are acquired through eminent domain, agricultural producers shall be paid for land value and business damages. (OVERSIGHT)

162. Sovereign Lands
We support the historical ordinary high water mark and navigable waters as established when Florida received statehood. We oppose any changes to the law or state agency policy that would adversely affect private property rights. (WATER/NATURAL RESOURCES)