Join Defending Rural Florida in Making a Difference

Lobbying your county commissioners to preserve rural land in Florida requires a strategic and

persistent approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively advocate for conservation efforts:

1. Research and Prepare

•  Understand the Issues – Learn about local land use policies, zoning regulations, and comprehensive plans that affect rural land.
•   Identify Threats and Opportunities – Determine whether the land is at risk due to development, rezoning proposals, or infrastructure projects.
•  Gather Supporting Data – Collect studies, reports, and case studies that highlight the economic, environmental, and cultural benefits of rural land preservation.

2. Build a Coalition

•  Engage Local Stakeholders – Partner with farmers, ranchers, conservation groups, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts.
•  Network with Local Organizations – Connect with land trusts, agricultural associations, and environmental groups that share similar goals.
•  Mobilize the Community – Encourage residents to attend meetings, sign petitions, and send letters to commissioners.

3. Develop a Clear Message

•  Focus on Economic Benefits – Emphasize how preserving rural land supports agriculture, tourism, and local businesses.
•  Highlight Environmental Importance – Discuss water conservation, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem services.
•  Showcase Cultural and Historical Significance – Share stories about generational farms, ranches, and community heritage.

4. Engage with County Commissioners

•  Schedule Meetings – Request one-on-one meetings with commissioners to present your case.
•  Attend Public Hearings – Speak at county commission meetings, planning board hearings, and public forums.
•  Submit Written Proposals – Provide detailed, solution-oriented recommendations, such as conservation easements, rural land incentives, or zoning protections.

5. Use Media and Public Awareness

•  Write Opinion Pieces – Submit letters to the editor or op-eds to local newspapers.
•  Leverage Social Media – Share updates, success stories, and action alerts on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
•  Host Community Events – Organize town halls, educational workshops, and farm tours to engage the public and commissioners.

6. Stay Persistent and Follow Up

•  Monitor Policy Developments – Keep track of land use decisions and planning meetings.
•  Hold Commissioners Accountable – Follow up on commitments and remind them of public support for preservation.
•  Keep Advocating – If necessary, support pro-preservation candidates in local elections.

By being well-prepared, organized, and persistent, you can effectively lobby your county

commissioners to protect Florida’s rural land for future generations.

Preserving rural land in Florida requires proactive engagement with state legislators who

influence policies on land use, conservation funding, and agricultural protections. Here’s a step-

by-step guide to effectively lobbying your state representatives and senators.

1. Research and Prepare

•  Understand State Policies – Learn about Florida’s laws and programs related to rural land preservation, such as the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever.
•  Identify Legislative Threats and Opportunities – Track bills that could impact rural land, whether positively (funding for conservation) or negatively (rezoning, infrastructure projects).
•  Gather Supporting Evidence – Use economic data, environmental studies, and local case studies to support your position.

2. Build a Coalition

•  Work with like-minded Associations – Organizations like the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Conservation Florida, 1,000 Friends of Florida, and the Florida Conservation Group can provide resources and advocacy support.
•  Mobilize Local Stakeholders – Farmers, ranchers, and rural property owners can provide powerful testimony about the impact of policy decisions.
•  Engage the Public – Encourage citizens to contact legislators, sign petitions, and attend
• legislative meetings.

3. Develop a Clear and Persuasive Message

•  Emphasize Economic Benefits – Show how rural land preservation supports Florida’s agriculture industry, ecotourism, and job creation.
•  Highlight Environmental Protection – Discuss how protecting rural lands safeguards water resources, prevents flooding, and preserves wildlife habitats.
•  Appeal to Florida’s Heritage – Frame conservation as a way to preserve the state’s rural traditions, family farms, and open spaces.
•  Use Local Examples – Show how specific policies affect their district and constituents.
•  Offer Practical Solutions – Advocate for specific programs, such as conservation easements, tax incentives for landowners, or increased funding for preservation efforts.

4. Engage with State Legislators

•  Meet with Legislators – Schedule in-person or virtual meetings with your state senator and representative to present your case.
•  Attend Committee Hearings – Speak at legislative hearings where land use bills are discussed.
•  Provide Written Testimony – Submit letters, reports, or expert testimony to key committees handling agriculture, environment, and land planning issues.
•  Host Legislator Site Visits – Invite lawmakers to farms, ranches, or conservation areas to see firsthand the importance of rural land.
•  Participate in Advocacy Days – Join events like “Ag Day” at the Capitol or conservation lobbying efforts.
•  Send Letters and Emails – A well-crafted letter, backed by facts and local impact, can be highly effective.
•  Make Calls and Follow Up – A direct phone call can reinforce your message and keep the issue top of mind.

5. Use Media and Public Awareness

•  Write Opinion Pieces – Submit op-eds and letters to the editor in newspapers across Florida.
•  Leverage Social Media – Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to highlight land preservation efforts and call for action.
•  Engage Influential Voices – Get endorsements from respected local leaders, business owners, and environmental advocates.

6. Monitor Progress and Stay Engaged

•  Track Legislation – Follow the progress of relevant bills and budget decisions.
•  Hold Legislators Accountable – Publicly acknowledge those who support land preservation and continue to engage with those who don’t.
•  Support Pro-Conservation Candidates – Advocate for and vote for lawmakers who prioritize rural land preservation..

By being well-prepared, organized, and persistent, you can effectively lobby your county

commissioners to protect Florida’s rural land for future generations.