Florida House Unanimously Passes Bill to Curb Development in State Parks

Florida House Unanimously Passes Bill to Curb Development in State Parks

By Guy deBoer
Tallahassee, FL – In a rare moment of bipartisan unity, the Florida House of Representatives voted 115-0 this week to approve a bill that would sharply restrict development projects in the state’s treasured public parks. The legislation comes as a direct response to public backlash over Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Great Outdoors Initiative,” which critics say opened the door to privatizing and commercializing natural lands under the guise of outdoor recreation.

The new bill, sponsored by Rep. Lindsay Cross (D-St. Petersburg), explicitly bans the construction of golf courses, theme parks, hotels, resorts, and similar commercial amenities on state park property. Instead, it mandates that all future development within state parks must serve a “resource-based” recreational purpose—such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, or environmental education.

“This is a strong affirmation of what Floridians want from their state parks,” said Rep. Cross during debate on the House floor. “Our natural lands are for conservation and quiet enjoyment, not luxury lodges and pickleball courts.”

The bill would also require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide more transparency in its planning process, including public notification and input opportunities for any proposed park changes.

Environmental groups praised the legislation as a crucial step in preserving the character and ecological integrity of Florida’s 175 state parks, which include diverse ecosystems such as coral reefs, hardwood hammocks, and freshwater springs.

“This bill sends a clear message that our public lands are not for sale,” said Sierra Club Florida Chair Mark Walters. “Florida’s parks are sanctuaries—for wildlife and for people seeking refuge from urban sprawl and commercialization.”

The controversy began in 2023 when the Governor’s administration began exploring new ways to attract tourism revenue through expanded recreational offerings in state parks. Proposals to build a luxury lodge at Fanning Springs State Park and to introduce golf courses in select parks drew swift and vocal opposition from residents, conservationists, and former park rangers.

Facing mounting pressure, several of those development plans were paused or shelved entirely. The current bill seeks to make those retreats permanent by codifying conservation-focused use into state law.

“Florida’s parks are a cornerstone of our state’s identity,” said House Speaker Paul Renner. “This bill ensures future generations will enjoy them as nature intended.”

The measure now moves to the Florida Senate, where a similar version of the bill is already under committee review. If passed, it would be a major win for grassroots conservation advocates and a potential rebuke of the Governor’s broader economic development agenda.

Florida’s state park system welcomes over 30 million visitors annually and generates more than $2 billion in economic impact, largely from eco-tourism and nature-based recreation. Supporters of the new legislation say preserving the parks in their natural state is not just good for the environment—it’s good for business.

“Our state parks are not theme parks,” said Rep. Cross. “They are Florida’s soul—and they deserve to be protected.”

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]