Florida Communities Trust

The Florida Communities Trust (FCT) is a state-funded land acquisition program that supports Florida communities in conserving natural resources, enhancing recreational opportunities, and preserving cultural and historical sites. Governed by a five-member board and funded under the Florida Forever Act, FCT focuses on innovative, non-regulatory approaches to implement local comprehensive plans. The program supports initiatives such as providing public access to beaches, protecting water quality, preserving working waterfronts, and conserving commercial fishing heritage. Since its establishment in 1989, the program has facilitated the acquisition of over 96,987 acres of land for conservation and recreation through grant funding. Using funds from the Florida Forever and Preservation 2000 programs, FCT has awarded approximately $875 million in grants, complemented by $754 million in local matching funds, resulting in a total investment of $1.6 billion for conservation and recreation projects.