Florida Statutes give the State, City Governments and several other organizations the power of Eminent Domain. This means that they have to "Right" to take private property when its taking is for the public good. This right derives from the US Constitution in Amendments 5 and 14. The law does though require the State or taking organization to pay full compensation for the property taken. (Florida DOT FAQ)
If the State decides that it has a "need" for all or a portion of your property they will obtain the property. The decision then comes to compensation. The State, or the taking entity, will make you an offer for the property based on their determination of its value. At this point you have two options:
You can accept the offer if you feel that you are receiving full value for the property.
You can dispute the offer if you feel that the value is insufficient. The value will then be determined by further negotiations or by a judge and or a jury.
Unless you have the training and expertise to determine the value of the subject property in the marketplace, you should engage a Real Estate Appraiser or a Real Estate Appraisal firm that is knowledgeable in both property values and Eminent Domain procedures and negotiations. They can assist you by determining the value of the property, or of that portion of the property, that is to be taken. The cost of such assistance will be paid for by the State or the Agency that desires to take the property. They can assist you in negotiations with the State by developing an appraisal and supporting documentation as well as presenting this information to the State representatives. Hopefully the differences can be resolved and a new price agreed to. In the event that it is not possible to reach an agreement, a firm experienced in this area will be able to put together and coordinate a team of experts to present the case in court. The judge or jury will make a determination of value based on the evidence presented in court. Compensation for those assisting in the effort will be determined by the court and will be paid by the State.
APPRAISAL First Florida or its sister corporation Acquisition Services Corporation will be happy to discuss your needs and assist you in developing a program to protect your financial interests.