Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program

The Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Established under Chapter 380, Florida Statutes, and regulated by Chapters 62-818 and 62-819 of the Florida Administrative Code, this state-level initiative is designed to support the acquisition of land for community parks, greenways, and open spaces. The program's goal is to align land acquisition projects with the recreational and environmental protection needs identified in local government comprehensive plans. The statutory framework prioritizes support for projects located in low-income or disadvantaged communities, as well as those offering public access to water bodies, recreational trail systems, and water-dependent facilities such as boat ramps and related infrastructure. For fiscal year 2024–2025, FCT has allocated a total of $15.7 million in grant funding. Applicants may apply for up to $5 million in funding per grant cycle, either through single or partnership applications. In the case of partnerships, the requested award amount is equally divided among participating partners for eligibility calculation purposes. Applicants with three or more active FCT grant agreements at the time of project selection will be ineligible, though they may restore eligibility by closing out sufficient active agreements prior to selection. Additionally, applications from entities with overdue stewardship reports will not be considered unless such reports are submitted and approved at least 21 days before the Trust’s project selection meeting. Eligible applicants for this grant include Local Governments, Nonprofit Environmental Organizations, and partnerships thereof. The program strongly emphasizes community involvement and accountability, clarifying that while consultants may assist, the grantee holds full responsibility for all aspects of the grant. The acquisition of project sites must be conducted through voluntarily negotiated transactions, and properties acquired through condemnation or threats thereof are explicitly disqualified. Application types include pre-acquired, partial pre-acquired, reimbursement acquisition, and joint acquisition options, each with its own documentation requirements, such as closing statements, title reports, environmental audits, and donation agreements. Applications must be submitted using Form FCT-5 and adhere strictly to its formatting and content instructions. A total of four complete sets of application materials are required, including one original and three copies. Submissions are due between November 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, and must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST on the closing date. All materials should be mailed or delivered to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Land and Recreation Grants Section in Tallahassee. A cover letter with original signature(s) from all partners must accompany each application, binding the applicants to the commitments described therein. The grant application evaluates estimated project costs, including land purchase, surveys, appraisals, title work, environmental assessments, and acquisition agent fees. Match sources must be clearly identified and can include funding from local governments, nonprofits, state and federal grants, private donations, or bargain-sale property values. Matching property must be part of the project site and is subject to the same post-award restrictions as grant-funded land. The application must also provide an acquisition plan, site summaries, conceptual site plans, and descriptions of project excellence, particularly as they relate to community impact, environmental justice, or conflict resolution. Further resources, including Form FCT-5, governing statutes, and application checklists, are available on the program’s official website. For direct assistance, applicants can contact the Florida Communities Trust staff via email at FloridaCommunitiesTrust@FloridaDEP.gov or by phone at 850-245-2501. All applications should be addressed to the Land and Recreation Grants Program, 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Mail Station 115, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

Do not alter form language. Submit 4 copies. Include signature cover letter from each partner.