Melissa Donovan
In a decisive move to safeguard Florida’s natural landscapes, the Florida Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to pass a bill that would prohibit most forms of development in state parks. The vote on the State Park Preservation Act (HB 209) was 37-0, underscoring bipartisan support for the measure. However, the bill must return to the Florida House for a final vote before it can be presented to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature.
The legislation was originally filed last year by Sen. Gayle Harrell, a Republican from Southeast Florida, in response to public outcry over the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) proposed “Great Outdoors Initiative.” That plan had called for the addition of recreational infrastructure such as lodges, golf courses, pickleball courts, and disc golf facilities in nine of the state’s parks—prompting widespread concern among environmental groups and residents.
The House approved its version of the bill last week with unanimous support. However, the Senate companion bill (SB 80) had not been scheduled for a floor vote until Wednesday, raising fears among conservation advocates that the measure could stall before the legislative session’s close. Although the session was originally expected to conclude this week, ongoing disagreements between the House and Senate over the state budget are likely to extend proceedings.
Tensions grew earlier this week when Sen. Alexis Calatayud, a Republican from Miami-Dade, introduced an amendment that environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club, criticized as a potential delay tactic. The group issued a statement labeling the move as “an obvious attempt to run out the clock.”
Despite those concerns, the legislation ultimately moved forward without additional obstacles. The bill includes several provisions aimed at increasing transparency and public involvement in park management decisions. It requires the DEP to submit regular reports on the status and operations of state parks to both the Governor and the Legislature. The bill also updates public notice requirements for meetings and mandates that land management plans for parcels within state parks include input from an advisory committee.
Moreover, the measure stipulates that for any parcel exceeding 160 acres or any parcel located within a state park, an electronic copy of the proposed land management plan must be made publicly available at least 30 days before a required public hearing.
Supporters of the bill view it as a crucial step in preserving Florida’s state parks from overdevelopment and ensuring that future land-use decisions remain transparent and community-driven.
The outcome now rests with the House, which is expected to revisit the amended version in the coming days. If approved, the measure will move to the Governor’s desk for final consideration.
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