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Have questions about how the Martin County Land Acquisition Program works? You're in the right place. Below, we've answered some of the most common questions about our mission, process, funding, and how you can get involved. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us—we're here to help.
What is the Martin County Forever Land Acquisition Sales Tax Program?
In November 2024, Martin County voters approved a half-cent local sales surtax (bringing the county sales tax to 7%) dedicated to acquiring and preserving environmentally significant lands. The program will run for 10 years (2025-2034) and is expected to generate over $220 million with the help of grants and partnerships.
The Martin County Forever program ensures that our most important natural lands are permanently preserved for future generations—protecting clean water, wildlife habitat, and our community's quality of life.
What natural areas will be protected?
Funds can only be used to purchase land or conservation easements in four priority areas:
- Indian River Lagoon South (IRL South) - Protecting wetlands and water quality.
- Pal Mar - Preserving wetlands and greenways that connect to the Loxahatchee River.
- Loxa-Lucie (Loxahatchee-St. Lucie headwaters) - Creating a corridor between Atlantic Ridge and Jonathan Dickinson State Parks.
- Blueways Program sites - Protecting waterways and providing recreation opportunities along the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and oceanfront.
How much money will the program generate?
The half-cent surtax is expected to raise about $18 million per year, totaling $183 million over 10 years. With matching grants and other funding sources, the total is projected to exceed $223 million.
How will the money be used?
Funds can be used for:
- Buying land from willing sellers.
- Purchasing conservation easements (to protect farmland and open space while allowing continued use).
- Covering restoration costs (capped at 5% of acquisition costs).
- Limited municipal infrastructure projects allowed by state law.
The money cannot be used for unrelated projects—strict rules and oversight apply.
Who makes decisions about which lands to buy?
A citizen-led Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) reviews all land proposals and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), which has final approval. ELOC members represent a balance of environmental, agricultural, business, fiscal, and real estate interests to ensure fair, informed decisions.
How are properties selected?
Potential properties are nominated using a Project Proposal Form. County staff confirm eligibility (location, voter-approved intent), and environmental experts conduct an Environmental Assessment. A citizen-led Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) then reviews and scores the property based on criteria like:
- Water quality benefits
- Habitat for wildlife
- Connectivity to other conservation lands
- Potential for recreation
Scored proposals are then recommended to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for purchase.
How will the public stay informed?
Transparency is a cornerstone of the program. Citizens can expect:
- Open public meetings of the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) to be streamed on MCTV and posted online.
- Published agendas, minutes, and rankings for all projects.
- Annual independent audits to ensure funds are spent as promised.
What role did the Martin County Forever Committee play?
The Martin County Forever Committee, a volunteer citizen group, championed the referendum and built public support leading up to the November 2024 vote. After the surtax passed, the Committee transitioned to a support role, with some of its leaders volunteering on the first Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) to help oversee implementation.
How does this program connect to statewide conservation?
Martin County's program complements major efforts like:
- CERP (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan) - improving water flow and quality.
- Florida Forever Program - state land preservation.
- Florida Wildlife Corridor - connecting habitats across Florida.
- Florida Blueways Program - protecting waterways and expanding recreation access.
These partnerships help stretch local dollars and maximize conservation impact.
What's the timeline for the program?
- Nov 5, 2024 - 64% of voters approved the referendum
- Jan 1, 2025 - Sales surtax took effect
- Feb 2025 - Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) established
- March 11, 2025 - Martin County BCC approves ELOC members and ELOC Manual
- April 16, 2025 - First ELOC meeting
- April 17, 2025 - State of nominating cycle
- June 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
- Sept 2025 through 2034 - Continued land purchases, ongoing oversight and annual audits
How much land could be preserved?
The program targets up to 46,000 acres of environmentally significant lands. This is in addition to the 70,000 acres already preserved in Martin County through past conservation efforts.
How can I get involved?
- Attend or watch Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC) public meetings.
- Review meeting minutes, audits, and program updates online.
- Learn more about local conservation through county partners.
