Senator Bradley Files Legislation to Increase Funding for Florida Forever

Senator Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) filed legislation to increase state funding for the Florida Forever land acquisition fund. Senate Bill 370 requires the state to spend a minimum of $100 million annually from Amendment One funds on the Florida Forever program.
The bill appropriates funds from Amendment One, a constitutional amendment passed overwhelmingly by Floridians in 2014. “As a conservative, I believe in absolute fidelity to the Constitution,” said Senator Bradley. “I am filing this bill because the Constitution demands, and the overwhelming majority of Floridians who voted for Amendment One in 2014 demand, that we protect the natural resources of our state.”
Florida Forever is Florida’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program. Since its inception in 2001, the state has purchased more than 718,126 acres of land with a little over $2.9 billion. Land purchased through Florida Forever is held in trust for the citizens of Florida, and is used for parks, trails, wildlife management areas, flood control and more.
“Floridians are blessed with some of the most unique ecosystems in the world, from springs to the Everglades to coral reefs to world class beaches and rivers,” said Senator Bradley. “As our population continues to explode, we have an obligation to preserve these unique ecosystems for our children and grandchildren. The Florida Forever program helps us fulfill this obligation.”
Senator Bradley currently serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development and chairman of the Senate Committee on Environmental Preservation and Conservation. He was elected to the Senate in 2012 and represents Senate District 5, which includes 11 counties in north Florida.