Review of Statutory Requirements for Acquisitions and Dispositions

Finding No. 1:  Land acquisition statutes (Chapters 253 and 259, Florida Statutes) need clarification and additional requirements to improve the administration of the land acquisition programs of the Department. 

Finding No. 2:  In some instances, statutes pertaining to the disposition of State-owned lands need clarification and an additional requirement for appraisal reviews relative to dispositions of State-owned lands.

Finding No. 3:  The Board of Trustees Rules (Florida Administrative Code) pertaining to the acquisition of lands need to be revised to include conservation lands,  address appraisal reviews, and incorporate the supplemental appraisal standards by reference.

Finding No. 4:  The Board of Trustees rules (Florida Administrative Code) pertaining to the disposition of State-owned lands need to be revised to address wetlands, when applicable; eliminate acreage considerations when determining whether to competitively bid a parcel being disposed of; provide for appraisal and appraisal review requirements and for appraisal and appraisal review selection procedures for land dispositions; and include reference to the Acquisition and Restoration Council.

Review of Specific Acquisitions and Dispositions

Finding No. 5:  Our review of the acquisition of appraisal and appraisal review services disclosed that improvements are needed in appraisal services contract management and compliance with competitive bidding requirements.

Finding No. 6:  The Department’s policies provide for reviewing appraisal reports for conservation lands valued at or below $500,000 on a sample basis.  However, these reviews are completed, in some instances, years after the acquisitions are completed rather than during the acquisition process.

Finding No. 7:  We noted deficiencies, including the use of unapproved appraisal reports, for a land exchange which was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Finding No. 8:  Our review revealed missing appraiser affidavits for four land acquisition transactions.

The Department Secretary’s response can be viewed in its entirety on the Auditor General Web site.