Audubon of Florida Lauds Passage by Florida Voters of Amendment 4

Constitutional Amendment 4 will conserve Florida's water resources and wildlife habitats by providing tax incentives to private landowners who manage their land for conservation.
 
Tallahassee, FL (November 5, 2008) - Audubon of Florida today applauded the passage of Amendment 4, The Florida Conservation Land Amendment, by Florida voters in yesterday’s election. The amendment, which will provide tax incentives to private landowners who manage their land for conservation purposes, eliminates property taxes on lands placed in a perpetual conservation easement, giving landowners financial incentives to prevent lands with wildlife habitat from being developed.
 
“It’s nice to see the good guys win one for a change.’ said Eric Draper, Audubon of Florida deputy director and one of the original architects of the amendment. “And in this case, the good guys are every conservation-minded Floridian who would rather see their land used to for habitat and open spaces instead of condos and shopping centers.
 
The measure, endorsed by Governor Charlie Crist at the annual Audubon Assembly on October 24, needed the approval of 60 percent of the state's voters to pass. With 99% of the votes counted, it had garnered a 68.3 % approval.
 
“The people of Florida’s support for Amendment 4 proves just how important conservation is to Floridians, and with their help, we look forward to restoring our state’s great natural abundance.” said Draper.