FL H1271

Requires the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to disclose appraisal reports to private landowners or their representatives during acquisition negotiations, changing prior discretionary authority to mandatory disclosure.

Requires private landowners and their representatives to maintain confidentiality of disclosed appraisal reports and information.

Establishes that the final purchase price in option contracts for state land acquisitions and less than fee simple conservation easement acquisitions must be the fair market value as determined by the highest appraisal, removing prior approval requirements by the Board of Trustees or Secretary of Environmental Protection.

Maintains existing appraisal thresholds requiring two appraisals for parcels exceeding $1 million in estimated value and allows a third appraisal if two appraisals exceed $1 million and differ significantly.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.