Land and Water Conservation Fund Program

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program, administered in Florida by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is a federally-funded initiative originally established by Congress in 1964. It is designed to protect natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage while enhancing recreational opportunities for the public. The LWCF receives its funding through revenues generated from offshore oil and gas leases and allocates funds to both federal and state-side programs. In Florida, the DEP’s Division of State Lands oversees the administration of LWCF grants to eligible local governments for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreational sites. The purpose of the LWCF is to strengthen communities and enhance public access to quality outdoor recreational spaces. Projects eligible for LWCF funding typically include parks, playfields, trails, swimming and boating areas, campgrounds, and other similar public recreational facilities. The goal is to improve the accessibility and usability of outdoor spaces for residents and visitors while ensuring long-term conservation of Florida’s unique ecosystems. Projects must focus on outdoor recreation and be open to the general public. The program requires a 50:50 matching contribution, meaning that awarded grants must be matched equally by the recipient in either cash or in-kind contributions. This structure ensures shared responsibility between the federal program and local implementing agencies. The maximum grant request is capped at $1.5 million for both acquisition and development projects. The final amount awarded may be adjusted by the DEP depending on the availability of federal funds and project competitiveness. Funds are contingent upon federal appropriation. Applications are submitted through postal mail using the LWCF Grant Application Package, form DRP-121. The required documents include application instructions, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), the NPS Application and Review form (10-904), a Project Abstract Summary, and standard federal budget forms (SF-424A or SF-424C depending on the project type). There is no online portal for submission, and the process requires careful adherence to the documentation and mailing instructions provided by the DEP. For the FY2025-2026 cycle, applications are accepted between November 15 and December 15, 2025. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers are indicated. A webinar recording and presentation materials were provided for guidance during the cycle. Projects are selected by the state and then submitted to the National Park Service (NPS) for final funding approval. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 850-245-2118 for further information. Their offices are located at 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000. While this program is recurring, the next application window is anticipated in November 2026, and applicants are encouraged to monitor the DEP website for updates. The program was permanently reauthorized by the Dingell Act of 2019 and received permanent funding under the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, ensuring its long-term sustainability.