Florida's Park Preservation Act Targets Development

Senator Gayle Harrell has filed the State Park Preservation Act, a bill aimed at prohibiting the development of sports amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, and pickleball courts on state park lands in Florida. This legislative move follows public outcry and protests against the plans proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to build such facilities in nine state parks, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The bill emphasizes conservation-focused activities like fishing, hiking, and camping, and restricts cabin capacities to six people to minimize ecological impact. Governor Ron DeSantis had paused the DEP's 'Great Outdoors Initiative' amid bipartisan criticism, describing it as 'half-baked' and clarifying that the golf courses were to be located on previously disturbed lands. The bill is scheduled for consideration in the 2025 legislative session and aims to ensure park management prioritizes natural resource conservation and public benefit. If passed, these measures will take effect in July 2025.