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FLORIDA - Florida lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would prohibit the construction of golf courses, resort lodges, and sports courts in state parks.
The effort was sparked by backlash to a now-abandoned plan proposed last year by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
The bill, House Bill 209, received unanimous approval from the House State Affairs Committee and now heads to the full House for a vote.
Its sponsor, Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, said the measure is meant to prevent “unintended development” that could threaten the ecological integrity of Florida’s 175 state parks.
The move comes after widespread criticism of the state’s “Great Outdoors Initiative,” a 2023 proposal that called for adding recreational and resort-style developments to 10 state parks, including golf courses at Jonathan Dickinson State Park and a 350-room lodge at Anastasia State Park.
The initiative was ultimately withdrawn after public outcry and criticism from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who called it “half-baked.”
While the House version advances, the Senate companion bill (SB 80) still needs approval from two additional committees.
Senate President Ben Albritton has expressed mixed views, saying recreational enhancements like pickleball courts could be compatible with preserving “natural Florida.”
Snyder’s proposal explicitly bans construction of facilities such as golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and ball fields.
Modifications allow for limited development like small camping cabins, provided they don’t interfere with park management plans or damage the environment.
Environmental advocates praised the revised bill for closing loopholes and protecting parklands from commercial expansion.