Land Authority

www.monroecounty-fl.gov/landauthority

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners created the Land Authority in 1986 to purchase property in the Florida Keys for conservation, recreation, the protection of property rights, and affordable housing. Many of the properties bought were conservation lands consisting of tropical hardwood hammock, pinelands, and wetlands that provide many environmental benefits, including habitat for endangered species and migrating birds, and lands that help protect water quality.

Due to the significant impacts of Hurricane Irma, the Land Authority is currently putting additional emphasis on identifying and purchasing workforce housing sites. Project coordination is underway with local, state, and federal agencies to maximize the use of taxpayer funds.

The Land Authority’s funding for land acquisition comes from a half-cent of the tourist impact tax charged on lodging in the Keys and a surcharge on admissions and overnight camping at state parks in unincorporated Monroe County.

Fiscal and budgetary information regarding the Land Authority can be found at the website.

LAND STEWARDSHIP

The Land Authority oversees approximately 1,800 acres of conservation lands owned by the Land Authority, the County, or the State of Florida. The acres include some individual lots within or adjacent to neighborhoods. In most cases, newly purchased conservation land needs restoration to remove invasive exotic vegetation and, when necessary, to plant native vegetation. Conservation lands protect important wildlife areas, reduce housing density, and preserve the character of neighborhoods.

Funding for land stewardship comes from mitigation fees the County charges on land clearing activities and also from state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission funds.

PARTNERSHIP ACQUISITIONS

The County Commission entered into a partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to work jointly toward the purchase of Florida Forever conservation land in the Keys. The Land Authority serves as the County’s agent for this program. The Land Authority also has an interlocal agreement with the County to act on its behalf regarding its Less Than Fee and Density Reduction programs.

A significant milestone was reached in FY19 when the Land Authority passed the $100 million mark in advancing its mission.

Executive Director: Charles Pattison, FAICP

305.295.5180 Pattison-Charles@ monroecounty-fl.gov Employees: 4 Budget: $19.7 million overall