News Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the State Park Preservation Act, protecting Florida’s state parks from commercial development. The unanimous legislation emphasizes passive recreation and prohibits significant private developments. With strong bipartisan support, it aims to enhance public involvement in park management. The Act also requires regular updates and public hearings on management plans, ensuring accountability. This significant move comes in response to public concerns over previous proposals for commercializing state parks. The law is lauded as a victory for environmental protection and aims to preserve Florida’s natural resources for future generations.
Tallahassee, Florida – On May 22, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the State Park Preservation Act (HB 209), a landmark piece of legislation tasked with protecting Florida’s 175 state parks from commercial development. The Act is designed to prevent activities such as the construction of lodging facilities, golf courses, and sports courts within these public lands.
The signing of the legislation was announced through a legislative website, with no public event or immediate comments provided from the Governor’s office. This significant move comes as a direct response to public backlash against the previously proposed Great Outdoors Initiative, which sought to enhance state parks with various commercial developments. Critics had expressed strong opposition to this initiative, likening it to “paving over paradise.”
Support for the new law was widespread, as it passed unanimously in both the Florida House and Senate. A total of 48 lawmakers from various political parties backed the legislation, signifying broad bipartisan support. Prominent Republicans, including Senator Gayle Harrell and Representative John Snyder, were key figures in championing the bill, alongside co-sponsors Senator Jennifer Bradley and Representative Peggy Gossett-Seidman.
The State Park Preservation Act enforces a management strategy for state parks that emphasizes passive recreational activities, such as hiking and nature observation, while explicitly prohibiting significant private developments. As a part of the new regulations, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be mandated to conduct public hearings and ensure that park management plans are accessible online. This measure aims to enhance transparency and community involvement in the oversight of park management.
Moreover, any changes to park management plans will require two public hearings during the development process, promoting accountability to Florida residents. Such plans will also need to be updated every ten years, again with opportunities for public input. Endorsements from conservation organizations, including Audubon Florida, further underscore the significance of this legislation in favor of environmental protection.
In a nod to the legacy of conservation in Florida, the St. Marks River Preserve State Park has been officially renamed Ney Landrum State Park in honor of the late director of Florida State Parks. This law, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, has been hailed by advocates, including the Sierra Club, as a historic victory for the preservation of Florida’s natural resources and public lands.
The push for this preservation effort was sparked by protests from Florida residents and environmental advocates who voiced their concerns over the financial motives of the proposed park developments. Florida’s state parks have proven to have significant economic impacts, attracting over 30 million visitors and generating an estimated economic benefit of more than $3.9 billion in 2024. The successful passage of the State Park Preservation Act offers a new direction for the conservation and management of these vital natural spaces.
Governor DeSantis had previously indicated his intention to sign the bill during a roundtable discussion focused on local taxes, which highlights the Administration’s priority on preserving Florida’s ecological assets. With the implementation of this Act, the state aims to ensure that future generations can enjoy its diverse natural heritage without the threat of extensive commercial exploitation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tallahassee.com: Governor DeSantis Signs State Park Preservation Act
- Florida Phoenix: Florida Senate Approves Bill Protecting State Parks
- ABC Action News: Florida State Park Preservation Act Signed into Law
- Wikipedia: Florida State Parks
- Action News Jax: State Park Preservation Act Signed into Law
- Google Search: State Park Preservation Act Florida
