Public Trust Law

The Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute Of Florida What is the Public Trust? The "Public Trust Doctrine" is an ancient legal doctrine dating back to the Roman Code of Justinian in 539 A.D. and holds that public lands and waters are held in trust for the use of all people. The doctrine has withstood the test of time and even became codified in the Florida Constitution in 1970.

The primary focus of the Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida is to uphold this doctrine through the zealous protection of the City of Jacksonville's Preservation Project and other federal and state protected lands and waters.

Commonly known as the "Public Trust," we pursue legal means, including litigation if necessary, to protect and preserve the public lands and waters. Additionally, we support the education of political leaders, government officials and citizens by participating in speaking engagements and writing articles and letters. The Public Trust also promotes the use and enjoyment of land and waters within the public trust.

Latest News

Save Mayport Village

Several months ago the Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) asked the Jacksonville City Council to pass three related ordinances which would allow Jaxport to build a cruise ship terminal on the banks of the St. Johns River in the tiny Village of Mayport.  Those ordinances include 2008-892, a land use amendment; 2008-893, a rezoning; and 2008-970, a text amendment to the comprehensive plan.

The Mayport Civic Association, along with many Mayport residents, vehemently objected to the construction of the cruise ship terminal and the Public Trust agreed to join the fight.  Read More

Timucua-Mocama Art Contest Winners Selected!!!

After careful deliberation our expert panel has chosen the 10 winners of our Timucua-Mocama Art Contest!  The 10 winners have received a $2,500 commission to complete a painting (oil, acrylic or water color on a canvas of 24" by 30") reinterpreting an original Le Moyne/de Bry work.  These new paintings will be shown with the original Le Moyne/de Bry works at two premier art galleries in Jacksonville. Their art work will also be featured in a full color, descriptive book to be published about this project to enhance the artistic history of the Timucua.

Please visit  “Winners of the Timucua-Mocama Art Contest” for biographies and photos of our contest winners.