Florida Lawmakers Take a Stand: Bill to Protect State Parks from Development Moves Forward

In a big win for nature lovers and conservationists across Florida, state lawmakers are pushing forward a bill that could permanently protect state parks from being overrun by commercial development. The “State Park Preservation Act,” also known as Senate Bill 80, is making its way through the legislature with growing momentum, and it’s a direct response to recent controversy surrounding proposed developments in some of the state’s most beloved natural spaces.

What’s at Stake?

Florida is home to 175 state parks, covering more than 800,000 acres of diverse habitats — from beaches and springs to swamps and forests. These parks are not just recreational areas, they’re also vital for protecting endangered wildlife, maintaining clean water, and offering Floridians and tourists alike a peaceful escape from city life.

But when plans were announced last year under Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Great Outdoors Initiative” to build things like golf courses and hotels in parks like Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, people across the state were quick to say: Not so fast.

Public Pushback Sparks Change

The backlash was swift. Protests popped up in cities and towns across Florida. Environmental groups sounded the alarm, and social media lit up with outrage. The message was loud and clear — Floridians don’t want their parks turned into resorts.

Senator Gayle Harrell, a Republican from Stuart, heard that message and filed SB 80. “We had many demonstrations across the state,” she said. “People were very clear — they want our parks to stay parks.”

The bill now moving through the legislature would block any future attempts to build hotels, golf courses, or other commercial attractions inside state parks. Instead, it focuses on “conservation-based recreation” — think hiking trails, kayaking, birdwatching, and educational programs. In other words, activities that fit with the natural environment.

What’s in the Bill?

The proposed law would set stricter rules on what can and can’t be done in state parks. Any updates to park management plans would have to go through public hearings, giving communities a say in how their parks are used. It would also require state agencies to carefully review and limit who gets permits, leases, or concessions in the parks.

This means no backdoor deals, no sudden construction, and no surprise bulldozers showing up at your favorite trailhead.

Not Everyone’s on the Same Page

While the bill has been widely praised, not all lawmakers agree on the details. Senator Joe Gruters of Sarasota suggested an amendment that would allow certain types of development, claiming it was for maintenance and rehabilitation purposes. But that amendment was rejected.

Senator Jennifer Bradley of Fleming Island said it best: “I can think of few issues that united and galvanized folks so quickly across all spectrums than the prospect of golf courses being put on state parks.” It’s rare to see such strong bipartisan agreement in Tallahassee, but this issue seems to be one of them.

Conservation Groups Want Stronger Language

Even with the bill’s progress, some environmental organizations are urging lawmakers to tighten it up further. They’re worried that vague language might leave the door open for future developments that don’t quite align with the spirit of the law.

Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, said, “We want to make sure this legislation is rock-solid. No loopholes, no misinterpretations — just clear protection for our parks.”

What Happens Next?

A companion bill in the Florida House (HB 209) has already passed unanimously, and now lawmakers are working to finalize the language between the House and Senate versions. Once that’s done, it’ll head to the governor’s desk.

If signed into law, the “State Park Preservation Act” would mark a major step forward in protecting Florida’s natural treasures — not just for today, but for generations to come.

Why It Matters

At a time when Florida’s population is booming and development is spreading fast, this bill sends a strong message: Some places are too special to pave over. State parks aren’t just land — they’re home to endangered species, ancient ecosystems, and countless memories for Florida families.

Whether you’ve camped under the stars at Myakka River, canoed through the mangroves at Lovers Key, or just taken a quiet walk in the woods, this legislation is about preserving those experiences. And if lawmakers follow through, it looks like the parks will stay just the way Floridians want them — wild, beautiful, and protected.