Florida State House Passes Legislation Prohibiting Development at State Parks
Florida State Parks to Prohibit Golf Courses, Pickleball Courts, and Luxury Lodges in Response to Public Outcry
In a significant move to preserve the natural beauty of Florida state parks, the state House passed legislation on Wednesday that would prohibit the development of golf courses, pickleball courts, and luxury lodges within these protected areas. The bill, which passed with a unanimous vote of 115-0, will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
The pushback against such projects came after Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration proposed the “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which aimed to introduce commercial ventures into state parks. However, following a wave of public protests and backlash, the governor decided to shelve the initiative.
“The public outcry, you could probably hear it all the way up to the moon or Mars,” said Rep. Lindsay Cross, a Democrat from St. Petersburg. The new legislation aims to ensure that similar development plans do not resurface in the future, preserving the wild beauty of Florida’s state parks.
While the bill does not completely ban development, it mandates that any projects must be “conservation-based recreational uses” that support activities like hiking, swimming, horseback riding, and nature study. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of protecting critical habitats and natural resources within the parks.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s initial plans for development sparked outrage among environmentalists and park enthusiasts, leading to protests and calls to “Save Don’t Pave” the parks. The Senate version of the bill will need to be reconciled with the House version, with environmental groups advocating for tighter language to prevent loopholes that could allow for unwanted development.
Despite the differences between the House and Senate versions, both bills have garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving Florida’s state parks. As the legislation moves forward, the focus remains on safeguarding these precious natural spaces that represent the true essence of Florida.
