Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed HB 209, the State Park Preservation Act, into law this week. Now, we're listening to state leaders and activists who pushed to preserve Florida's parks.
The signing of the bill comes after massive statewide protests last summer, when plans to build golf courses and hotels at state parks came to light.
DeSantis distanced himself from the initiative, called the Great Outdoors Initiative, after months of public backlash.
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"People have loudly and clearly spoken that they want to protect land. We're sick of development. We're sick of taking away the space that we're losing," said Jessica Namath. She's a conservationist who spearheaded a local effort to protect Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. John Snyder, Sen. Gayle Harrell and Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, passed both chambers unanimously.
"It just goes to show you how much people appreciate our parks and our outdoors," Gossett-Seigman told WPTV reporter Cassandra Garcia. "They love Florida for what it is, not what it could be in black top."
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The law prohibits development like golf courses, pickleball courts and lodging in state parks, instead preserving them for conservation-based activities.
"I was overwhelmed by the amount of people and support that just poured in for our parks," said Namath. "But we can't stop here because I think all of our public lands need the same protection."
DeSantis said he would sign the bill into law earlier this month.
The law goes into effect July 1.
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