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Seminole Forever
The Seminole Forever Land Acquisition Program aims to protect and conserve lands by identifying and acquiring properties that conserve green space, provide passive recreational opportunities, and protect water resources and natural habitats. The initiative is funded by the County’s General Fund and may include partnerships with local cities and nonprofits or other alternative funding sources. Seminole Forever does not require an additional tax on residents.
Through the Seminole Forever program, the County commits to purchasing lands to protect natural communities, including wetlands and forestlands, and providing green space in both rural and urban areas. These lands may offer passive recreation amenities such as pavilions, restrooms, and playgrounds.
Seminole Forever is similar to the State’s Florida Forever land acquisition program.
Application Process
1
Application
- The Seminole Forever program will accept land nomination applications during the open application period.
- Applications received after the posted deadline will be considered in the following property evaluation cycle and process period.
- Upload and Submit Application.
2
Review
- Once the application has been received and reviewed by staff, the applications are provided to the county's appointed Acquisition and Restoration Committee (ARC).
3
Public Meeting
- At a pre-scheduled public meeting, the ARC will review the applications using their Evaluating Parcels for Acquisition criteria.
- Landowners will be invited to speak on behalf of their property submittal. This may include providing a presentation using visual aids (PowerPoint, large photos, etc.) or simply educating the ARC on the value of adding their property to the program.
4
Approval
- A final list of application packages will be provided to the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners for their approval at a future date.
- The BCC will direct staff on which eligible properties to pursue for acquisition.
FAQs
Properties eligible to be considered for acquisition and management should fall into at least one of the following categories:
- natural lands
- preservation-only lands
- environmentally sensitive lands
- resource-based passive recreation lands
- passive recreation lands
- buffer lands
Please refer to the Seminole Forever ordinance for specific details and definitions of these terms.
Applications for Seminole Forever will be accepted Dec 2-Jan 31.
Nominations will be accepted from any of the following:
- an individual landowner
- a government entity
- a conservation organization
- a corporation
- Seminole County
A willing seller is required upon submittal of an application.