State parks protection bill heads to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk

Florida legislative session is (basically) over. These 5 bills await DeSantis' signature

The Florida legislative session is winding down, and though lawmakers may have to extend the session to come back to the budget, we already know which laws have made it through both chambers. If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, they will take effect on July 1, 2025. These are five of the laws that could impact you. Electrocardiograms for student athletes This law would require student athletes in Florida public high schools to undergo an electrocard…

House Lawmakers Pass Legislation to Ban Commercial Development in State Parks

The Florida House unanimously approved legislation Thursday that would prohibit new commercial construction in state parks and impose strict safeguards on the use and management of public conservation lands. The measure cleared the chamber in a unanimous vote following earlier Senate passage and now awaits action from Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill was filed in response to proposed developments in state parks, including golf courses and Pickleball …

State parks protection bill heads to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk

The "State Parks Preservation Act" would bar golf courses, resort-style lodges, pickleball courts and other sports facilities from being built on park land.

Last Call for 5.1.25 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida

Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics. First Shot After some back-and-forth, the Legislature has agreed on language to more clearly prevent development on state park lands. The House originally approved the measure (HB 209) in mid-April. But amendments tacked on in the Senate this week sent it back to the House for another vote. House lawmakers agreed to the Senate’s language Thursday, passing the bill unanimousl…

After wanting golf in state parks, DeSantis must now decide on a bill to ban it

The Florida Legislature sent a bill to protect state parks to DeSantis’ desk Thursday, countering his secret plans last summer.

Rep. Gossett-Seidman Celebrates After House Advances Bill to Preserve State Parks

Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman (R-Highland Beach) celebrated after the House passed a bill 115-0 on Thursday that would protect Florida State Parks from commercial developments such as golf courses and pickleball courts. It will now head to Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval. The bill comes after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection launched a plan to alter state parks to include recreational activities last August. The plans were later sc…