**Florida House Votes Against DeSantis’ Recreational Plans for State Parks**
The Florida House has decisively rejected Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposal to introduce golf courses, pickleball courts, and other recreational facilities in state parks. The vote, which took place on Wednesday, was unanimous at 115-0, and the measure will now advance to the Senate, where a similar bill is currently under consideration in committees.
Supporters of the bill attribute the overwhelming public opposition and protests against what DeSantis termed the Great Outdoors Initiative last year as a significant factor in the governor’s decision to abandon the original plan. “I think we were all shocked to hear what they were going to do to our precious state parks,” stated Rep. Robin Bartleman, a Democrat from Weston. “This is in direct response to that plan and in direct response to what our constituents wanted us to do.”
Rep. Lindsay Cross, a Democrat from St. Petersburg who participated in the protests, emphasized the strength of public sentiment, saying, “The public outcry, you could probably hear it all the way up to the moon or Mars.” She added that the new bill aims to “make sure our wild Florida stays wild.”
While development will still be permitted in state parks, any projects must focus on “conservation-based recreational uses” that promote activities such as hiking, swimming, horseback riding, boating, and nature study. According to a House staff analysis, “Any use or construction activity must be conducted in a manner that avoids impacts to a state park’s critical habitat and natural and historical resources.”
The Department of Environmental Protection, under DeSantis, initially proposed the recreational plans last summer. However, following significant public backlash, many of the proposals were withdrawn. Shortly thereafter, DeSantis indicated that the plans were “going back to the drawing board.”
Democratic state Rep. Allison Tant remarked, “Our state parks are precious. We have our state parks that represent the real Florida.”
As the Senate considers the bill, the future of Florida’s state parks remains a topic of significant public interest and debate.
**FAQ**
**What was the outcome of the Florida House vote regarding state parks?**
The Florida House voted unanimously against Governor DeSantis’ proposal for recreational developments in state parks, with a vote tally of 115-0.
