Three months after Florida faced backlash over plans to build golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels on state park land, new legislation filed on December 11 by Republican Senator Gayle Harrell indicates that the fight to protect these natural areas is far from over.

Preserving Florida’s State Parks

Sen. Harrell, whose district includes Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, is sponsoring the “State Park Preservation Act.” This bill aims to prevent the development of recreational facilities like golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and ball fields on state park land. Instead, the focus would shift to conservation-based activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, and horseback riding.

In August, Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sparked outrage with a proposal to construct a golf course at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The plan would have required demolishing the iconic Hobe Mountain observation tower, located in a fragile scrub habitat, and displacing park staff from their homes.

Limits on Lodges and Development

While the bill allows for some growth of cabins and campsites, it imposes strict limitations. For example, new cabins would be capped at accommodating six people. Additionally, the legislation prohibits any structures that could significantly harm the natural resources of state parks.

Earlier this year, the DEP had proposed adding large-scale lodges with as many as 350 rooms to some parks, a move that drew widespread criticism. Harrell’s bill seeks to ensure such projects do not threaten the ecological integrity of these protected areas.

“We want to preserve natural habitats and promote outdoor activities that allow parks to remain as they are meant to be—natural,” Harrell said.

Addressing Transparency Issues

The controversy in August intensified when the DEP’s plans were leaked to the public just days before being posted online. The department scheduled public meetings across the state with only six days’ notice, leaving residents little time to voice their concerns. No members of the committee responsible for voting on the proposals were present at these meetings.

In response, Harrell’s bill includes provisions to improve transparency. It requires the state to publish proposed changes to state park lands at least 30 days before public meetings, giving residents more time to engage. Harrell called this addition a “very important part of the bill.”

Pushback From the Public and Lawmakers

The DEP’s initial proposals ignited public outrage and led prominent Republican U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to condemn the rushed timeline as “absolutely ridiculous” in a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis. Facing widespread opposition, DeSantis ultimately withdrew the plans in late August.

Despite the governor’s retreat from the proposals, Harrell’s legislation ensures that similar projects will not be pursued in the future.

Origins of the Controversy

Harrell revealed that earlier this year, she was approached by the veterans nonprofit Folds of Honor, which pitched the idea of building a golf course on state park land. Although Harrell praised the organization for its work supporting families of fallen or disabled veterans, she firmly rejected the proposal.

“That is not going to happen,” Harrell recalled saying.

Next Steps for the Bill

Harrell’s office expects State Representative John Snyder, R-Stuart, to introduce a companion bill in the House. While Harrell has not yet discussed the legislation with the governor’s office, she remains optimistic about its importance for safeguarding Florida’s state parks.

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(Image credit: Newsweek)