In a move hailed by environmental groups and citizens alike, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law a new bill that will protect the state’s cherished parks from commercial development. The law, which was signed into effect on May 23, 2025, aims to prevent the construction of hotels, golf courses, and other commercial ventures in Florida’s state parks, thus ensuring the preservation of the state’s natural beauty for future generations.
The new law was passed following growing concerns from environmentalists and residents who feared that increased development in state parks would harm wildlife habitats and diminish public access to nature. Florida has one of the most extensive park systems in the United States, attracting millions of visitors annually for its beaches, trails, and forests. However, recent proposals to allow commercial development in some of these parks had raised alarms among conservationists.
The bill, which was sponsored by state Senator Jason Pizzo, a Democrat from Miami, and supported by numerous environmental advocacy groups, restricts commercial developments in state parks unless they are explicitly authorized by the legislature. The law also requires that any proposed changes to state parks be subject to public hearings and extensive environmental reviews before approval. This will ensure that any development is thoroughly scrutinized to assess its impact on the environment.
One of the primary concerns that led to the law’s introduction was the proposal to build luxury resorts and golf courses in areas like the Everglades, which would have put critical ecosystems at risk. The Everglades, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, is home to countless species of wildlife, including endangered species such as the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee. Environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and Friends of the Everglades argued that allowing such developments would compromise the integrity of the park and its biodiversity.
With the signing of this law, Governor DeSantis has effectively put a halt to such proposals, ensuring that Florida’s parks remain protected from the pressures of commercial expansion. “Florida’s parks are an irreplaceable part of our heritage, and we must do everything in our power to preserve them for future generations,” said Governor DeSantis during the signing ceremony. “This law will ensure that our state parks remain as pristine and accessible as they were meant to be.”
The law has garnered widespread support from environmentalists, who argue that it strikes a necessary balance between development and conservation. “This is a significant victory for Florida’s natural treasures and the millions of people who enjoy them every year,” said Alice MacDonald, director of the Florida chapter of the Sierra Club. “We are grateful to Governor DeSantis for his leadership in protecting our state parks.”
The law’s passage also comes at a time when Florida’s population continues to grow, putting increased pressure on land use and development. As more people move to the state, the demand for housing and commercial projects has intensified. This law, however, underscores the importance of preserving natural spaces even in the face of such growth.
For residents and visitors alike, the new law is seen as a reassurance that Florida’s parks will remain open and accessible for recreation, education, and enjoyment for generations to come. As the state continues to grow, this move reflects a commitment to safeguarding its natural resources, and many are hopeful that it will set a precedent for other states to follow in protecting their own public lands.