Sprawl in Florida: A Conversation with the Experts

Publication Date: February 2002

Publisher: Florida Public Interest Group Education Fund

Author(s): Tony Dutzik; Mark Ferrulo

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: sprawl; growth management

Type: Report

Coverage: Florida

Abstract:

Sprawling development patterns have left their mark on Florida over the past 50 years, resulting in degraded air and water quality, increased traffic congestion, the loss of millions of acres of open spaces and farmland, fragmented wildlife habitat, the expenditure of billions of taxpayer dollars on new infrastructure, and declining overall quality of life in many of the state's urban, suburban and rural areas. In the fall of 2001, Florida PIRG Education Fund engaged seven individuals with a longstanding interest in and knowledge of land-use issues in a broad discussion of public policy issues related to sprawl.