Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP)

The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) is a competitive grant program managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), specifically its Land and Recreation Grants Section. This state-administered program supports local governmental efforts to improve public outdoor recreational opportunities across Florida. Through FRDAP, municipalities, counties, and other legally constituted entities tasked with providing public outdoor recreation can secure funding for the acquisition or development of land dedicated to public outdoor recreational use or the construction of recreational trails. FRDAP is structured around a comprehensive administrative rule and is aligned with Florida’s broader land use and recreational planning strategies. The main objective of FRDAP is to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for Florida's residents and visitors by facilitating land acquisition, development, and trail construction. Projects submitted must fall into one of three categories: land acquisition for outdoor recreation, development or renovation of recreational facilities, or construction or renovation of recreational trails. For acquisition projects that receive FRDAP funding, the applicant is required to develop the site for public recreational use within three years of acquisition. The program emphasizes forward-looking planning, sustainable use, and community participation in recreational development. Projects involving saltwater beach access are allowed to span multiple sites, while other proposals must be site-specific. For the FY2025–2026 cycle, applicants must submit their proposals via DEP’s Grantee Portal between September 16 and 5:00 PM on September 30, 2024. Each entity may submit up to two applications, and no applicant may have more than three active FRDAP projects at one time. The program will not accept any applications after the close of the submission window. Additionally, applications cannot be submitted for sites with existing active grants under FRDAP, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, or the Recreational Trails Program. Applications are evaluated based on completeness, alignment with the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), and the overall scoring rubric established by the DEP. Funding for FRDAP projects is contingent on annual appropriations by the Florida Legislature. The maximum grant request is capped at $200,000. The state’s cost-share percentage varies depending on the total project cost: 100% funding is available for projects up to $50,000; for projects between $50,001 and $150,000, the state covers 75%; and for projects between $150,001 and $400,000, the match is 50/50. Eligible matching sources include cash, the value of undeveloped land owned by the applicant, and in-kind services, subject to restrictions outlined in Rule Chapter 62D-5.055(4), F.A.C. A comprehensive documentation package must be submitted with each application. This includes proof of site control, planning documentation, evidence of public participation, and site-specific plans like boundary maps, conceptual development site plans, and maintenance plans. Special attention is required for acquisition projects, which must provide detailed development timelines following acquisition. A detailed checklist is available within the application instructions to assist applicants in assembling all required materials. The application must also include descriptions of physical site characteristics and community benefits. Evaluation of applications will be based exclusively on materials submitted by the deadline; incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. Applicants seeking assistance or guidance can refer to the FRDAP Application Cycle Webinar or contact the Land and Recreation Grants Section. General inquiries may be directed to FRDAP_Mail@FloridaDEP.gov or by phone at 850-245-2501. Additional contact options, including a list of staff assigned by county, are provided on DEP’s official grant webpage. Final award decisions depend on funding appropriated by the legislature, and selected grantees will have up to three years from the start of the funding fiscal year to complete their projects.

Submit complete, properly labeled exhibits. Ensure public involvement occurred in past 3 years. Use DEP’s Grantee Portal and follow SCORP references for alignment scoring.