Picture of a sky and water


The Love Your Lake grant program has been named in honor of long-time FLMS supporter and lakes protection and restoration advocate Dean G. Barber. Dean was an early member of the FLMS Board of Directors, serving in 1993 as a Director and in 1995 as Treasurer.


FLMS has created a cost-share program that funds lake, pond and shoreline projects demonstrating management techniques that help protect, preserve and restore Florida’s aquatic resources. Each year FLMS solicits grant proposals describing successful management projects. FLMS will provide matching funds for expenses incurred by the selected applicant. Expenditures may be in the form of labor or monetary contributions utilized in the program. Proposals are reviewed by a selection committee based on the following criteria:

  • Monetary or labor match — programs encouraging community involvement are strongly recommended.
  • Location — project must be accessible to the public (may include large communities or neighborhoods – dependent on accessibility).
  • Signage — educational component explaining project.
  • Water quality enhancements — examples include Florida-friendly landscaping, environmental berm and swale, and other innovative erosion control techniques.

Click here for the grant application.

Please contact Maryann at 352-434-5025  if you have any further questions or to submit your application.

“Love Your Lake” project proposals must be submitted by December 1st each year.  The Grants Committee will review all applications and make their recommendation to the FLMS Board.  Final reports and invoices must be submitted by September 30th. The deadline may be extended on a case by case basis as approved by the grants committee.

Grant Application Question Form