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FLORIDA - Florida lawmakers have advanced a sweeping bill that would prohibit large-scale commercial developments, like golf courses, pickleball courts, and luxury accommodations, within state parks.
Following public outrage over previous proposals, the bill was backed by Governor Ron DeSantis' administration.
The bill, which passed the Florida House unanimously in a 115-0 vote on Wednesday, would restrict future park projects to activities that are nature-based and conservation-focused.
This includes hiking, swimming, nature study, horseback riding, and boating, according to a staff analysis.
Construction under this bill would also be required to avoid any impact on critical wildlife habitats or historical resources in state parks.
The push for the legislation came after intense backlash last year when the Florida Department of Environmental Protection revealed plans under what was dubbed the “Great Outdoors Initiative.”
The initiative called for development in nine parks but offered minimal public input, just one hour of hearings.
That sparked protests across the state, with demonstrators carrying signs that read “Save Don’t Pave” and “Parks Over Profit.”
Representative Lindsay Cross, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, said the public response was “loud enough to reach the moon,” and emphasized the bill ensures that “wild Florida stays wild.”
The legislation now heads to the Senate, where a similar version has been moving through committees with bipartisan support.
Environmental groups, however, are urging lawmakers to close language they believe could still leave room for commercial development.
Governor DeSantis has not publicly stated whether he supports the bill in its current form.