Join 1000 Friends of Florida for FREE monthly webinars on planning, development and growth issues facing Florida.

1000 Friends routinely seeks professional certification credits for planners (AICP CM), Florida attorneys (CLE), DBPR Landscape Architects, Certified Floodplain Managers and Florida Environmental Health Professionals who attend the live webinars, but cannot guarantee that credits will be offered.

Planning to Protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor 2.0
Challenges and opportunities for Florida’s agricultural lands

February 12, 2025 from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. EST

Approximately 80% of the currently unprotected 8 million acres in the Florida Wildlife Corridor are in agriculture.  These lands are essential to the Corridor and provide vital ecosystem services that benefit all Floridians.  Agricultural and conservation leaders will share their perspectives on the challenges facing the agricultural industry, steps to move forward, and strategies to maintain both agricultural and conservation values on these working lands.  Presenters include Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner, Florida Climate Smart Agriculture Work Group Co-Chairs Jim Strickland and Lynetta Griner (also representing ranching and silviculture), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Kelsey Bernard and Luis Gonzalez, and UF Center for Landscape Conservation Planning Director Tom Hoctor.

This event has been approved for the following professional certification credits for those who attend the live webinar:  American Institute of Certified Planners (2 AICP CM, #9303169), Florida Bar (2.5 General CLE #2413627N), Florida DBPR Landscape Architects (2.0 DBPR Credits #0014642), Certified Floodplain Managers (1 CEC), and Florida Environmental Health Professionals (2.0 Contact Hours or 0.20 CEUs).

2025 Florida Legislative Preview

February 19, 2025 from 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. EST

The 2025 Florida Legislative Session promises to shape public policy across critical areas including community planning, conservation, transportation, resiliency and more. Join 1000 Friends of Florida President Paul Owens and Policy & Planning Director Kim Dinkins as they explore key bills and budget proposals likely to come before the legislature. This webinar will provide insights into how potential legislation could impact Florida’s environment, governance, growth management, and planning practices, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to stay informed and engaged.

Visit our 2025 Legislative Webpage to see the list of bills we’re tracking.

This event has been approved for the following professional certification credits for those attending the live webinar:  American Institute of Certified Planners (1.5 AICP CM, 1 Law, # 9303970), and Florida Bar (1.5 General CLE #2500245N). 1000 Friends has applied for professional certification credits the following professions but cannot guarantee they will be approved: Certified Floodplain Managers), Florida DBPR Landscape Architects, and Florida Environmental Health Professionals.

Planning to Protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor 2.0
The urban/rural interface

March 5, 2025 from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. EST

Special planning challenges arise in areas where human development meets up with undeveloped wildland.  Building on the 2024 white paper, The Economics of Development in Florida, Urban3’s Joe Minicozzi will focus on The Economics of Rural Land Use in Florida.  Neil Fleckenstein, AICP, Tall Timbers Planning and Advocacy Coordinator will discuss human/wildland interface planning and land conservation strategies to protect working rural lands managed with frequent prescribed fire.  Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails Chief Sam Browne and Florida Trail Gateway Communities Coordinator Austin Burton will discuss using trail systems to link urban and rural areas.

This event has been approved for the following professional certification credits for those attending the live webinar:  American Institute of Certified Planners (2 AICP CM, #9300637), Florida Bar (2.5 General CLE #2411880N), Certified Floodplain Managers (1 CEC), and Florida DBPR Landscape Architects (2 DBPR hours, #0014598). This event has not been approved for credits for Florida Environmental Health Professionals.

2025 Florida Legislative Update

April 2, 2025 from 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. EST

As the 2025 Florida Legislative Session progresses, key bills and budget proposals are taking shape that will significantly impact community planning, conservation, transportation, and resiliency across the state. Join 1000 Friends of Florida President Paul Owens and Policy & Planning Director Kim Dinkins for a status update on pending legislation and budget items. This webinar will highlight 1000 Friends’ positions on critical issues, provide insights into what’s ahead for the remainder of the session, and outline how these developments could affect Florida’s governance and planning practices.

Visit our 2025 Legislative Webpage to see the list of bills we’re tracking.

This event has been approved for the following professional certification credits for those attending the live webinar:  American Institute of Certified Planners (1.5 AICP CM, 1 Law, # 9303970), and Florida Bar (1.5 General CLE #2500245N). 1000 Friends has applied for professional certification credits the following professions but cannot guarantee they will be approved: Certified Floodplain Managers), Florida DBPR Landscape Architects, and Florida Environmental Health Professionals.

2025 Florida Legislative Wrap Up

May 14, 2025 from 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. EST

As the 2025 Florida Legislative Session draws to a close on May 2, significant decisions made in Tallahassee will shape the future of Florida’s planning, conservation, transportation, and growth management policies. Join 1000 Friends of Florida President Paul Owens and Policy & Planning Director Kim Dinkins for a comprehensive review of the session’s outcomes. This webinar will preview the anticipated implications of passed and failed bills, analyze their potential impact on Florida’s environment and communities, and discuss what these developments mean for the state’s growth management and public policy landscape.

Visit our 2025 Legislative Webpage to see the list of bills we followed during the 2025 session.

This event has been approved for the following professional certification credits for those attending the live webinar:  American Institute of Certified Planners (1.5 AICP CM, 1 Law, # 9303973), and Florida Bar (1.5 General CLE #2500248N). 1000 Friends has applied for professional certification credits the following professions but cannot guarantee they will be approved: Certified Floodplain Managers), Florida DBPR Landscape Architects, and Florida Environmental Health Professionals.