What is a conservation easement?

A conservation easement is a legal agreement that protects land by limiting the potential uses of the land. Easements allow landowners to maintain many of their private property rights and oftentimes the easements provide them with tax benefits.

Conservation easements are typically donated, but some landowners sell conservation easements.

While landowners may retain their rights to live and use the land, they are usually restricted in regards to subdividing and developing it. In the legal agreement, the public or private organization holds the landowners to their promise of not developing it. While some easements prohibit any development, other easements may allow farming, ranching, and other forms of economic activity.

Conservation easements can also grant landowners tax benefits such as lowered federal income tax and state property taxes.

Attorney Sean Byrne of Bach & Jacobs has represented parties in multimillion dollar conservation land transactions and can advise you of your options regarding conservation easement land restrictions. Contact our office at (941) 906-1231 to schedule an appointment with him.