Welcome to Flagler County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) program website. We’re happy that you are taking an opportunity to educate yourself on this important ballot initiative. Since 1988, the ESL program has converted over 4,200 acres into public ownership creating recreation areas, habitat for threatened and endangered species, water protection areas and preservation of historic sites in Flagler County.

On November 4, the citizens of Flagler County will be asked if they wish to continue the ESL program by voting in a referendum which authorizes the levy of an ad valorem tax for 0.25 mills for an additional 20 years. This equates to 10 cents a day or $3.13 per month for the average homeowner with a $200,000 assessed value and $50,000 homestead exemption. The program is not a new initiative. In fact, Flagler County citizens have approved taxing themselves to fund the program since 1988. Those funds have been nearly exhausted bringing park land including Princess Place Preserve, Palm Coast Linear Park, and Longs Landing into the public’s inventory.  The Clean Water and Environmentally Sensitive Lands item is the last question on the ballot, so please remember to flip your ballot over and vote.

In an effort to inform and educate the voters, the Board of County Commissioners has created this educational website including information on the ESL program’s past history, the benefits it provides, and how it creates a legacy for the future.  Additionally, there is a photo gallery of our ESL purchases, a map and written directions to ESL properties, and other resources to answer your questions. However, if at any time you have an unanswered question, please call (386) 313-4066 or email info@flaglercounty.org. We’re here to help.