State Lands Web Site Provides a New Tool for Navigating the Land Acquisition Process

To better assist land owners and interested members of the public, the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Division of State Lands (Division) recently enhanced its website to provide a user-friendly tool for citizens who are interested in selling land to the state or learning about the state's land acquisition process. The improved website demonstrates DEP's commitment to the environment and excellent customer service, offering clear and navigable information in easy to follow steps.

"The Division of State Lands takes great pride that Florida has been a leader in the nation for land conservation," said Deborah Poppell, Director of the Division of State Lands. "Through the Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever programs, over 2.4 million acres of land have been protected with the specific goal of preserving those natural and cultural resources which are so essential to our quality of life and community. The Division is committed to ensuring that these resources are open and accessible to everyone. The enhanced website confirms that commitment, by allowing anyone with internet access the ability to point-and-click to retrieve maps, forms and information with ease."

The website now allows a potential seller to determine if his or her property is within or outside a Florida Forever project boundary, and potential options for selling land to the state. The site provides simple steps to guide interested property owners in the land acquisition process. Other information that can easily be found on the enhanced website is state-owned property for sale, the use of state lands, rulemaking, meetings, history of state lands, frequently asked questions and news. The updated website information is located at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/sell.htm and http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/acqprocess.htm.