Though the state has backed away (for now) from its proposal to develop state park lands to install golf courses, 350-room hotels, and pickle-ball courts, it remains an issue we need to monitor.

Unfortunately, we can expect more of these initiatives coming down the pipeline due to state legislation, CS/HB 781, which went into effect July 1, 2024 and facilitates privately-funded projects on publicly owned properties by “streamlining” the public solicitation and commenting process. The bill seems to have been crafted to allow controversial development projects to side-step the competitive bidding process and the agency and public input that would come with it.

If you agree that the law should be repealed, we encourage you to write or call your state representatives and senator to voice your opposition to the development the legislation will enable.

Read the full bill at https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2024/html/3361.