After facing intense bipartisan backlash, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new bill preserving the natural landscape in Florida’s state parks and protecting them from development. The bill is an about-face from a plan announced by the administration last year that would have opened nine of Florida’s state parks to new development.
In case you missed it: last August, under the leadership of DeSantis, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) launched the Great Outdoors Initiative. The initiative would have reduced access to nature in favor of constructing golf courses, luxury lodges, and pickleball courts atop treasured park land. The announcement cited the state’s “dedication to conservation,” however, incentives for tourism and recreation were well catalogued both in and between the lines.
While the plan included hiking and biking trails, for the Florida Park Service and general public—both left out of the planning process—it seemed like a token gesture. Protestors were quick to respond, gathering at Jonathan Dickinson State Park to protest a golf course outlined for the site. As far as leadership goes, Audubon Florida executive director Julie Wraithmell was quick to react alongside Florida State Senators Jason Pizzo and Kathleen Passidomo, who swiftly positioned themselves against the proposal.
About a week after the plan was announced, DeSantis made a statement the administration was going to go “back to the drawing board,” assuring the public that the plan was prematurely revealed, underdeveloped, and that he hadn’t even seen it. Two months later, the head of the DEP stepped down to join the private sector. Now, it seems the administration is hoping to gain favor from the Sunshine State by shifting its tune toward conservation.
Going into effect July 1, 2025, the State Park Preservation Act, protects Florida’s 175 state parks. It specifically prohibits the construction of facilities like golf courses, lodges, and pickleball courts. The DEP will also be prohibited from authorizing activities that could cause significant harm to the park’s resources, allowing more legal parameters for preservation.
The public is also being granted more authority. Under the new measures, public hearings are required for plan updates, and Floridians must receive notice at least 30 days in advance. The bill also directs plans for state parks to be developed with the input from an advisory group, so there shouldn’t be any more surprises.
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