On November 5, 2024, nearly 64% of Martin County voters approved a referendum for a half-cent local sales surtax for a period of ten years. Funds from the sales tax would be used to acquire and preserve environmentally significant land in four key areas: Indian River Lagoon watershed, Loxahatchee-St. Lucie headwaters, Pal-Mar wetlands, and “Blueways” urban waterway sites.
Background
About The Martin County Half-Cent Sales Surtax Referendum
Tax Implementation & Revenue
- Effective Date
The half-cent sales tax took effect on January 1, 2025 and expires on December 31, 2034.
- Rate
The total county sales tax increased from 6.5% to 7%.
- Expected Funding
The sales tax will raise an estimated $18 million a year over ten (10) years for a total of about $183 million. Given that early collection of sales tax is exceeding projections and population growth, the projected total revenue is expected to surpass $223 million. In addition, the County is expecting to at least double the amount raised by the sales tax by aggressively pursuing funding from federal and state partners.
- Use of Funds and Guidelines
Clear guidelines were approved by voters through the referendum that limit how the funds can be used and that ensure transparency throughout the process:
- Purchasing land (fee simple title) from willing sellers
- Purchasing land only within the four identified zones
- Acquiring perpetual conservation easements
- An annual audit must be conducted
- Creation of an Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC)
- 5% of the total cost of acquiring the property can be used to help with habitat restoration including removing exotic vegetation and implementing a prescribed fire program
Next Steps
Martin County is actively working to establish the new land acquisition program and is excited about the opportunity to continue acquiring and protecting these vital natural areas for future generations. The program will be maintained and updated throughout the life of the initiative, ensuring that citizens stay informed on progress and opportunities to get involved. The County will actively be:
Identifying
Available Parcels
within the 46,000-acre target zone.
Conducting Environmental Assessments
and negotiations with interested landowners.
Pursuing State, Federal, and Private Grants
to stretch local funds further.
Summary Timeline
Apr 2024
Martin County Board of County Commissioners voted to place the half-cent sales tax initiative on the November 5, 2024 ballot
Sep 2024
Ballot language for referendum and ordinance approved
Nov 5, 2024
Referendum passed with more than 64% yes vote
Jan 1, 2025
New tax rate of 7% took effect
Feb 2025
ELOC formally established; first meetings began
Mar 11, 2025
Martin County BCC approves ELOC members and ELOC Manual
Apr 16, 2025
First ELOC meeting
Apr 17, 2025
State of nominating cycle
Jun 25, 2025
Second ELOC meeting and recommendation made to BOCC to acquire Bar B Ranch and Pal Mar Settlement properties
Aug 26, 2025
MCBCC approves Bar B Ranch conservation easement
2025-2034
Rolling land purchases, audits, committee oversight, and project implementation underway
Martin County Forever Committee
Each step is guided by science, community values, and long-term sustainability.
Background
Founded in 2022, the Martin County Forever Committee was formed by a group of committed volunteers with a mission to acquire and preserve important natural lands in Martin County for the benefit of present and future generations through a voter approved half-cent sales tax. Co-Chaired by Jim Snedeker and Merritt Matheson (former Mayor of the City of Stuart), the committee spent nearly two years focusing on building awareness and support for the half-cent sales tax.
If approved, the funds would be used to acquire and preserve approximately 46,000 acres of environmentally significant land in four key areas: Indian River Lagoon watershed, Loxahatchee-St. Lucie headwaters, Pal-Mar wetlands, and “Blueways” urban waterway sites.
In April 2024, Martin County Commissioners voted to place the referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot to let voters decide. The Martin County Forever Committee spent the next seven months implementing an outreach campaign focused on:
- Educating residents on the value of preserving natural lands to protect water quality, wildlife habitats, natural areas, drinking water sources, and expand recreational space—while preserving the character and environmental health of the county.
- Communicating the direct local benefits of the proposed sales tax.
- Reminding voters that about 37.5% of tax revenues would come from non-residents.
- Demonstrating broad community support to build voter confidence.
- Highlighting the transparency and oversight that would be part of the initiative.
Strong Safeguards
To address taxpayer concerns, ensure accountable use of funds, and garner citizen support, safeguards were built into the referendum:
- A nine-person Citizens' Environmental Lands Oversight Committee to review land purchases.
- Annual financial audits to ensure transparency.
- Binding language limiting acquisitions to willing-seller transactions and to the four specified target areas.
- Preservation funding options for conservation easements to help maintain working farms.
On November 5, 2024, nearly 64% of Martin County voters approved the half-cent local sales surtax for a period of ten years that is expected to generate more than $200 million. This approval was the impetus for implementing the funding and oversight structure laid out by the Martin County Forever Committee. Their important work set in motion a structured, citizen-guided plan to permanently preserve environmentally sensitive lands and conservation easements throughout Martin County for the benefit of present and future generations.
Transition to Oversight & Support
After the “Yes” vote, the Martin County Forever Committee shifted from campaigning to supporting the work of the County and the newly formed ELOC. Its leaders, John Keller, Merritt Matheson, and Jim Snedeker are serving as volunteers on the first ELOC.
Partner Info
Partnering to Protect Critical Ecosystems:
CERP, Florida Forever, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and IRL Blueways
Martin County plays a vital role in statewide conservation initiatives to preserve Florida's ecosystems. Through efforts like the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), Florida Forever, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and the Florida Blueways Program, the county helps protect land, water quality, and wildlife habitats.
Ongoing land acquisition through CERP, Florida Forever, the Wildlife Corridor, and Blueways is critical for ecosystem protection. The new sales tax will help secure lands necessary for conservation, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.
CERP and Martin County
CERP focuses on restoring the Everglades by improving water flow, reducing pollution, and protecting habitats. In Martin County, key projects like the Loxahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers aim to restore natural water systems. The county has supported these efforts by acquiring lands for stormwater treatment, shallow storage, and wildlife corridors. The 2024 sales tax will fund continued land acquisition to complete CERP's goals.
Florida Forever and the Wildlife Corridor
The Florida Forever Program funds the acquisition of important conservation lands, including wetlands and forests in Martin County. The Florida Wildlife Corridor connects these protected areas, allowing wildlife to safely migrate and preventing habitat fragmentation. This corridor is crucial for species like the Florida panther and other endangered wildlife.
Florida Blueways Program
The Florida Blueways Program protects waterways, enhances public access, and conserves habitats. Key Blueways areas in Martin County, including the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, are vital for water quality, flood resilience, and wildlife protection, while offering recreation opportunities for the community.
Allapattah Flats: A Key Acquisition
Close to 21,000-acres of Allapattah Flats have been acquired as part of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) South CERP project, helping to protect wetlands and improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon. Additional acquisitions are needed to fully restore the Lagoon, and sales tax funding will support these efforts.
Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is an agricultural land preservation program designed to protect important agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent agricultural land conservation easements. The program is designed to meet three needs:
- Protect valuable agricultural lands.
- Create easement documents that work together with agricultural production to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and reasonable protection of the environment without interfering with agricultural operations in such a way that could put the continued economic viability of these operations at risk.
- Protect natural resources, not as the primary purpose, but in conjunction with the economically viable agricultural operations.
History Of Conservation In MC
Thanks to previous efforts, over 70,000 acres have been preserved over the past 40 years.
Land Acquisition Timeline (1995-Present)
1990-2008
Acquisition of 146-acres of beachfront properties on Hutchinson Island including Stuart Beach, Beachwalk Pasley, Bob Graham Beach, Santa Lucea Beach, Bathtub Beach and Clifton S. Perry Beach.
1996
Martin County voters approved a bond to fund parks, conservation, & land.
1998
Martin County voters approved a local sales tax to fund parks, conservation, and land purchases for Everglades restoration & environmental protection.
1999
The Martin County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Division is created to manage conservation lands that are being acquired.
2003
Halpatiokee Regional Park: Acquisition of this roughly 500-acre property is completed to protect the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.
2003
Cypress Creek: Acquisition of roughly 3,000-acre properties that are co-owned with the SFWMD and are critical to the restoration of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.
2004-2005
Pal Mar East: Acquisition of the roughly 3,200-acre property that is co-owned with the SFWMD and is critical to the restoration of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.
2006
Voters of Martin County pass a 5-year half cent sales tax that generated $30 million to acquire conservation lands and $30 million for Parks projects.
2007
Allapattah Flats: 18,000 acres of land were acquired between the late 1990's and 2007, with the goal of preserving wildlife habitat, water management, and public access.
2007
Culpepper Ranch: 1,294-acres property that is co-owned with the SFWMD and is critical to the restoration of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.
2002-2017
C-44 Reservoir and STA Land Acquisition Completed: Acquisition of land for the C-44 Reservoir (3,400 acres) and the Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) (6,300 acres) is finalized. These areas help improve water quality in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon by filtering out pollutants.
2024
Voters of Martin County pass 10-year half cent sales tax that is expected to raise 220 million for the acquisition of conservation lands and easements.
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