Florida Preserve At Sunset (Unsplash)

Florida Lawmakers Seek To Protect State Parks From Development

Florida Preserve At Sunset (Unsplash)
Florida Preserve At Sunset (Unsplash)

Florida lawmakers are taking steps to protect the state’s natural treasures from development. A new bill filed in the House of Representatives would prohibit the construction of golf courses, pickleball courts, lodges, and other amenities in state parks.

The proposal (HB 209), filed by Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, mirrors a Senate bill (SB 80) filed last month by Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart. Both bills, dubbed the “State Park Protection Act,” aim to prevent the kind of development proposed last year under the controversial “Great Outdoors Initiative.”

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The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Environmental Protection, drew fierce opposition for its plans to add golf courses, lodges, and other amenities to nine state parks. Among the most contentious proposals were plans for golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County and lodges with up to 350 rooms at Anastasia State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

Following bipartisan backlash, Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration paused the initiative. Now, lawmakers are seeking to permanently prevent such development in state parks.

The bills would prohibit the addition of facilities such as:

  • Golf courses
  • Tennis courts
  • Pickleball courts
  • Ball fields
  • Lodges

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The legislation would allow for the installation of cabins with a maximum occupancy of six guests, but with strict requirements to minimize environmental impact. The bills stipulate that cabins must “to the maximum extent practicable, be sited to avoid impacts to a state park’s critical habitat and natural and historical resources.”

Supporters of the bills argue that they are essential to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Florida’s state parks. They contend that these parks should be protected from development that could harm wildlife habitats, disrupt ecosystems, and detract from the natural experience that visitors seek.

The bills are filed for consideration during the legislative session that begins on March 4th. They are expected to garner significant attention and debate as lawmakers grapple with balancing the demand for recreational amenities with the need to protect Florida’s valuable natural resources.

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