You can help protect our water, land, wildlife, and future.
Florida Panther Compensation Program
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Florida Panther Compensation Program provides financial assistance to those who have experienced depredations by panthers. Ranchers may receive compensation funds for free-ranging cattle that have been lost to panthers. Homeowners keeping pets or small livestock may receive funds to help build a pen to protect them from depredation. The program’s goal is to encourage coexistence between landowners and native wildlife.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida initially launched a one-year pilot program in June of 2011, and the program is currently still active.
The Free-Ranging Cattle Compensation Program is designed to help compensate small farms when their free-ranging animals — typically calves — are lost to panthers.
The Pen Building Assistance Program may provide compensation funds to assist landowners who wish to build a predator-resistant pen to protect their small hobby livestock and pets from losses due to the Florida panther.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit an application to begin the process with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Panther Compensation Program. Necessary information may include a copy of the “Florida Panther Response Plan Investigation Report” and any other relevant written communication you have received about the depredation incident from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Fill out the application form below.
FREE-RANGING CATTLE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
- Designed to provide financial compensation to those who have lost free-ranging cattle due to a verified Florida panther depredation.
- Due to limited resources, small, family-owned and operated farms – typically with less than 300 head of cattle – will receive top priority for compensation.
- Depredation losses due to Florida panthers subsequent to October 2010 will be considered through the program, providing that the loss was investigated and verified by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- The Free-Ranging Cattle Compensation program may compensate each owner for up to $599 and is subject to change.
- Compensation may be adjusted under certain conditions, at the discretion of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
PEN BUILDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
- The program offered by Conservancy of Southwest Florida may provide financial assistance for homeowners who build protective pen enclosures.
- A typical protective pen is composed of chain-link fencing, a roof and is 20 feet by 10 feet and about 6 feet tall.
- Materials to construct a typical protection pen are estimated at approximately $1,500.
- Priority is given to those who have had a verified loss of a pet or livestock by a Florida panther. To qualify, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must have investigated the incident and determined the loss occurred from a Florida panther.
- The Pen Building Assistance Program may provide up to 75-percent reimbursement, up to $599, for the cost of the materials required for construction of a predator-resistant pen and is subject to change.
Panther Compensation Program
Panther Compensation Program
Sunset Cruise
Pack a small cooler, bring a snack, and let us take you on a beautiful sunset ride. This two-hour sunset cruise is offered multiple days a week.
Mid-Morning Cruise
Beat the heat with a mid-morning eco-cruise as you meander through the stunning waterways of Rookery Bay.
Mobile Classroom
Prices
Member Adult
$45
Member Child
$25
Non-Member Adult
$55
Non-Member Child
$30
Add an introductory paragraph.
Prominent members of the community stand with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on important environmental issues.
What do you stand for?
Stand With Us
What do you stand for?
Conservancy of Southwest Florida Launches Nature-Based Solution Resources to Support Resilient Community Planning
New online resources showcase real-world project examples to guide community adaptation and climate risk reduction The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has launched two new Nature-Based Solution resources. The first is an interactive tool that provides a high-level overview of nature-based…
Conservancy of Southwest Florida honors Eagle Award recipients and announces board leadership updates
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida presented its highest honor, the Eagle Award, during the organization’s 62nd Annual Member Meeting, recognizing three individuals whose leadership and service have significantly advanced conservation…
Tales from the field: Part III
By Kathy Worley, Acting Director of Environmental Science and Coastal Ecologist It’s January 2026, which means sea turtle nest monitoring has been in the rear-view mirror for a while, and…
Conservancy of Southwest Florida brings free programming to community as new Nature Experience takes shape
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida announced new details and conceptual designs for the guest amenities that will define the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience, along with plans to offer…
Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 62nd Annual Member Meeting to spotlight campus transformation and regional restoration efforts
New details about the John & Carol Walter Nature Experience and free public programming during closure to be shared at meeting The Conservancy of Southwest Florida will hold its Annual Member Meeting on…
A rare sight returns to the wild: The Big Cypress fox squirrel
Among Florida’s most distinctive squirrels, the elusive Big Cypress fox squirrel is notable for its large size, limited range, and protected status. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida recently rehabilitated…
Reminder about IRS rules this giving season
As we look ahead to a busy and inspiring season of events and conservation work, we are deeply grateful for the generosity that makes our mission possible. Our supporters allow…
Be part of our bright future with legacy giving
Protecting Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and future doesn’t happen by chance – it happens because people who care choose to act with intention. When you include the Conservancy of Southwest…
