The Florida Senate temporarily postponed a vote on the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill (SB 354) on Thursday after some lawmakers raised concerns about the legislation’s broad language.
The bill aims to incentivize land conservation by landowners who control at least 15,000 contiguous acres outside municipalities.
At least 60% of the land must be reserved, while the remaining portion can be developed.
Critics say the bill’s vague language could produce unintended outcomes.
Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said describing the bill as “conservation” may be misleading.
“We think of walking trails, and kayaking, and you know, passive recreation. We don’t think of utility sites,” she said.
Utility sites are designated as “reserve areas” in the bill, along with wetlands, parks, and lakes.
Community development specialist Sarah Strohminger also raised concerns about potential misuse.
“The community between Hastings and St. Augustine — the rest of rural St. Johns — could look totally different five years from now,” she said, according to First Coast news.
Supporters of the bill argue that it provides landowners with incentives for conservation, while ensuring local governments oversee implementation and that approvals comply with state statutes.
“I’ve talked to people in rural communities who say, ‘Bring whatever you can that represents growth and development for our area,” State Sen. Jim Boyd said, according to the outlet. “We need it.’ This is one of those things.”
While the Senate vote is postponed, the House version of the bill (HB 299) remains active and awaits a floor vote on second reading.
Lawmakers who opposed the Senate version said they generally support the bill’s goals.
Sen. Jennifer Bradley indicated she plans to revisit the legislation during the 2027 session, a position shared by several colleagues.
