On June 12, 2024, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the protection of a 1,800-acre cattle ranch and farm in Okeechobee County through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. With the approval by the Governor and Cabinet, Clemons Oak Creek, a working cattle ranch and farm, will be preserved through a rural land protection easement totaling $6,475,000. These easements prevent future development while allowing agricultural operations to continue contributing to Florida’s economy.
“Today’s approval to partner with Clemons Oak Creek and permanently protect approximately 1,800 acres of productive agricultural land is yet another victory for the state of Florida and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By protecting this economically and environmentally critical agricultural land, we safeguard the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers, we ensure the continued production of essential food and resources for our state, and we help preserve our natural resources and spaces according to state standards. This is a win for agriculture, a win for conservation, and a win for Florida’s taxpayers.”
Clemons Oak Creek is a multi-generational cattle ranch located in Okeechobee County. The property includes cow/calf operations over most areas along with row crops such as watermelon and marsh habitat. Currently home to approximately 600 head of cattle, it contains at least two creeks that drain into the Kissimmee River. Much of it serves as headwaters for Oak Creek. The site is enrolled in FDACS’ Best Management Practices program within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program was established in 2001 through the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act to counter urban development threats on agricultural lands. During the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson secured $100 million from the Florida Legislature for this program along with an additional $100 million each fiscal year under SB 1638 to support acquisitions under this initiative.
Commissioner Simpson recently celebrated families involved in this program at an event in Lake Placid, marking its 100,000th acre milestone in agricultural land preservation. His involvement in land conservation predates his tenure as Commissioner; as Senate President he championed policies like the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act which aims to protect natural areas and wildlife habitats while preserving working agricultural lands from future development.
A story map of all completed projects under this program can be viewed at FDACS.gov/RFLPPMap.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson or FDACS programs visit FDACS.gov.
