Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced a $6.3 million available grant through Florida's Future Forests Program and the Enhancing Gulf Waters Through Forested Watershed Restoration (RESTORE) program to support state forests for landowners this week.
According to a Department of Agriculture release, the cost-share programs will "improve forest health and water quality" by encouraging tree planting and timber stand upgrade practices to ensure long-term viability of Florida’s forestlands.
“Florida’s forests are some of our most valuable natural assets – protecting water quality, supporting wildlife, and fueling an industry that supports thousands of jobs,” Simpson said. “These programs are a significant long-term investment for the state and will help maintain and preserve Florida’s forests and natural resources for future generations.”
Florida’s Future Forests Program is specifically open to non-industrial, private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations. Applicants can also request funding for tree establishment practices starting at 10 to 250 acres.
The deadline for applications is 3 p.m. EST on March 27, 2026.
“Private lands make up the majority of Florida’s forestlands, and these funds will help landowners reestablish forests, improving water quality and enhancing overall forest health,” Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan said.
The Florida Legislature has allocated $18 million for the Florida Future Forest Program since 2021, helping generate over 50,000 acres of healthy forests in the state. More information on the program can be found here.
In addition, a $2.3 million grant will be given for the RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program for non-industrial private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations located within specific priority watersheds. Specifically, the program aims to assess reforestation, prescribed burning, first pulpwood thinning, mechanical underbrush treatment, and chemical underbrush treatment for practices from 10 to 250 acres.
The deadline for applications is 3 p.m. EST on March 27, 2026. More information on the program can be found here.
The Florida Forest Service oversees more than 1.2 million acres of state forests, while also assisting 17 million acres of private and community forests across the state. The service is also responsible for wildfire protection on more than 26 million acres.
