The Preserving State Parks Act, along with its House counterpart, seeks to impose stricter limits on development within Florida’s state parks.

Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 209 are currently under review in legislative committees. Sponsored by Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell, the bill enjoys bipartisan backing and has a companion measure in the House. It mandates public hearings for both conservation and non-conservation land management plans. The Division of Recreation and Parks would need to adhere to these rules when issuing leases or permits, and any development would require advisory panel input before advancing.

However, up to 60 groups are pushing to toughen the bill’s provisions. The Sierra Club of Tampa joined dozens of statewide organizations last year to block a state proposal that would have added golf courses, hotels, pickleball courts, and other amenities to state parks. That plan was shelved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and now some lawmakers hope the Preserving State Parks Act will deter similar future efforts.

Sierra Club Vice Chair Janet Stanko argues the bill has loopholes and says the group is pressing lawmakers to tighten it before offering full support. “If we can get the language sharpened—and we’re lobbying hard for that—we’ll evaluate the final package as it moves through committees,” Stanko explained. “Each committee can tweak it, so we’ll track its progress and then decide whether to endorse, oppose, or stay neutral.”

As lobbying efforts ramp up in Tallahassee this week, the Sierra Club is also urging the public to contact their state senators and representatives to demand stronger protections. “If you’re worried about vague wording that could let private developers exploit state parks, write your state rep and senator,” said Volunteer Coordinator Todd Randolph. “Push them to reject this bill until it’s rewritten to firmly block further development.”

Both Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 209 need full votes in their chambers before reaching the governor’s desk. It’s uncertain whether Gov. DeSantis would back the legislation. The session runs through May’s end.

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