Florida’s House has voted unanimously to shield state parks from developments like golf courses and pickleball courts, leaving residents wondering if the Senate will follow suit.
At a Glance
- Florida House passed a bill with a 115-0 vote to prohibit golf courses, pickleball courts, and luxury lodges in state parks
- The legislation responds to public outcry against Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration’s Great Outdoors Initiative
- The bill ensures state parks remain focused on conservation-based recreational uses like hiking and swimming
- Senate version has passed two committees but contains potential loopholes environmental groups want tightened
- Time is limited as the legislative session ends on May 2
Unanimous House Vote Protects Florida’s Natural Heritage
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the Florida House of Representatives has voted 115-0 to pass legislation preventing the development of golf courses, pickleball courts, and luxury lodges in state parks. The bill, which now advances to the Senate, aims to preserve the natural character of Florida’s cherished public lands by restricting development to “conservation-based recreational uses.” This decisive action comes after concerned citizens across the state mobilized against plans that would have dramatically altered the landscape of nine state parks.
The legislation directly counters the controversial Great Outdoors Initiative proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis’ Department of Environmental Protection. That plan, which was eventually shelved following intense public scrutiny, would have introduced commercial recreational facilities into pristine natural areas. Under the House bill, future developments must avoid impacting critical habitats and natural and historical resources that define Florida’s unique environmental character.
Bill to protect Florida’s state parks emerges in the House https://t.co/I5y3yO6XP8
— South Florida Sun Sentinel (@SunSentinel) January 17, 2025
Public Opposition Drives Legislative Action
The overwhelming public response to the initial development proposals played a crucial role in shaping this legislation. Protests featuring slogans such as “Save Don’t Pave” and “Parks Over Profit” highlighted citizens’ determination to protect their natural heritage. The Department of Environmental Protection had originally unveiled development plans for multiple state parks with minimal public input, sparking outrage among conservation-minded Floridians who value these spaces for their undeveloped character.
“The public outcry, you could probably hear it all the way up to the moon or Mars. The bill will make sure our wild Florida stays wild,” said Rep. Lindsay Cross, a Democrat from St. Petersburg.
Representatives from both parties emphasized the importance of preserving these natural spaces. Many cited constituent concerns as a primary motivator behind their support for the bill. The legislation aims to ensure that recreational activities in state parks remain focused on nature appreciation rather than commercial entertainment, protecting the environmental integrity that makes Florida’s parks unique destinations for residents and tourists alike.
A bill to prohibit golf courses, pickleball courts + hotels on state parks just unanimously passed its first committee in the FL Legislature.
The vote showed the staying power of the anger ignited last summer by the DeSantis admin plan. w/ @MaxChesnes https://t.co/PLbDObPixM
— Emily L. Mahoney (@mahoneysthename) February 11, 2025
Senate Consideration and Remaining Challenges
While the House bill passed with unanimous support, its journey through the Senate presents additional hurdles. The Senate version has successfully cleared two committees with unanimous votes, but environmental advocates have expressed concerns about potential loopholes that could still permit unwanted development. With the legislative session scheduled to end on May 2, time constraints add pressure to finalize and align both chambers’ versions.
“I think we were all shocked to hear what they were going to do to our precious state parks. This is in direct response to that plan and in direct response to what our constituents wanted us to do,” said Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston
Republican Senator Gayle Harrell, who sponsored the Senate version, acknowledged these concerns, noting that “The environmentalists are saying they would like the language to be a little tighter.” Governor DeSantis has not yet indicated his position on the legislation, though the strong bipartisan support suggests potential for his approval. If passed, the bill would represent a significant victory for conservation interests in Florida, ensuring that state parks maintain their natural character for future generations.
