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FLORIDA - Governor Ron DeSantis has pledged to sign a bill aimed at permanently shielding Florida’s 175 state parks from commercial construction projects like luxury lodges, tennis courts, and golf courses.
The legislation, known as HB 209, was passed unanimously by lawmakers earlier this year but has not yet reached the governor’s desk.
DeSantis made the commitment during a May 7 roundtable in Tampa while discussing tax relief efforts.
His support for the bill marks a notable reversal from the state’s previous "Great Outdoors Initiative," a controversial proposal that would have opened the door to commercial facilities in more than 20 state parks.
That plan sparked backlash from environmental groups and bipartisan leaders who feared it would harm Florida’s natural ecosystems.
In response, lawmakers moved quickly to introduce HB 209, which prioritizes conservation and passive recreation, such as hiking, camping, and bird-watching, over profit-driven development.
The legislation was championed by Sen. Gayle Harrell and Rep. John Snyder, both Republicans from Stuart, who said the bill reaffirms the original purpose of Florida’s parks: preserving natural beauty and providing peaceful, low-impact experiences for the public.
Democratic lawmakers also applauded the move.
Rep. Allison Tant, a board member of the Florida Parks Foundation, called the parks “precious natural resources” and praised DeSantis for committing to their protection.
With the governor’s backing, HB 209 is expected to become law once formally submitted, reinforcing Florida’s commitment to safeguarding its award-winning park system for generations to come.