For decades, Florida has relied on growth and sprawling development to fuel its economy — depending on short-term revenue from new development to make up for inadequate revenue from shortsighted prior development approvals. The consequences have been real: lost natural lands, strained water supplies, and communities that weren’t built to last.

Since 1986, 1000 Friends of Florida has been leading the fight for a better path. We educate, advocate, negotiate and, when necessary, litigate to protect the places and communities Floridians care about most.

Citizen involvement is at the heart of everything we do. We equip Floridians with the knowledge to shape their communities — through workshops, webinars, and guides on the planning process. Through projects like Florida 2070, we’ve shown what’s at stake if current development patterns continue, and how much more land could be conserved and water protected if more sustainable patterns are followed. We also advocate on behalf of citizens in the halls of the Legislature and the courts, working to ensure that growth serves people — not the other way around.