Senate panel approves bill designed to protect state parks from development

State parks bill teed up in Florida Senate

A proposal designed to prevent golf courses, pickleball courts and luxury resorts in state parks is ready to go to the full Senate.

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 …

A state parks bill is teed up in the Florida Senate

By Jim Turner ©2025 The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — A proposal designed to prevent golf courses, pickleball courts and luxury resorts in state parks is ready to go to the full Senate. The Senate Fiscal Policy on Tuesday backed the bill (SB 80) after rejecting a proposed change by Chairman Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, that some parks supporters and lawmakers said would have kept the door open for sports facilities. Sen. Gayle Harrell, …

Senate panel approves bill designed to protect state parks from development

The bill mirrors identical measure already approved in the House.

Florida lawmakers prohibit state parks developments under new bill

Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks: Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach MIAMI – After a controversial proposal to build golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts at Florida state parks last year, lawmakers approved a bill to ban such developments and preserve the historic significance of the parks. During the Legislative Session, a Senate committee approved the State Park Preservation Act, which is headed for a vote on t…

Memo to Florida Legislature: Get the parks bill over the finish line

The State Park Preservation Act protects against development proposals that would spoil the beauty of Florida's state parks.