summary
Introduced
12/04/2024
12/04/2024
In Committee
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to state land management; providing a short title; amending s. 253.034, F.S.; requiring public hearings for all updated conservation and nonconservation land management plans; requiring the Division of State Lands of the Department of Environmental Protection to make available to the public, within a specified timeframe, electronic copies of land management plans for parcels of a certain size and for parcels located in state parks; making technical changes; amending s. 258.004, F.S.; revising the duties of the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection; specifying requirements for the management of parks and recreational areas held by the state; defining the term “conservation-based public outdoor recreational uses”; making technical changes; amending s. 258.007, F.S.; requiring the division to comply with specified provisions when granting certain privileges, leases, concessions, and permits; authorizing the division to acquire, install, or permit the installation or operation at state parks of camping cabins that meet certain requirements; prohibiting the division from authorizing certain uses or construction activities within a state park; prohibiting the division from installing or permitting the installation of any lodging establishment at a state park; amending s. 259.032, F.S.; requiring that individual management plans for parcels located within state parks be developed and updated with input from an advisory group; requiring that the advisory group’s required public hearings be noticed to the public within a specified timeframe; requiring the department to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature by a specified date; specifying requirements for the report; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill, called the "State Park Preservation Act," proposes several significant changes to Florida's state land management regulations. The bill requires public hearings for all updated conservation and nonconservation land management plans, and mandates that the Division of State Lands make electronic copies of land management plans available to the public at least 30 days before hearings, particularly for parcels over 160 acres and those within state parks. It revises the duties of the Division of Recreation and Parks, emphasizing management of lands for conservation-based public outdoor recreational uses, which includes activities like hiking, fishing, and nature study, while explicitly excluding sports facilities. The bill also restricts the division from authorizing uses or construction that could harm park resources and prohibits the installation of lodging establishments in state parks. Additionally, it allows for the installation of camping cabins with strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact. The bill requires management plans to be developed with input from advisory groups, including local stakeholders and conservation experts, and mandates annual reporting on land management progress. Furthermore, it requires the Department of Environmental Protection to submit a comprehensive report to state leadership by December 1, 2025, detailing the state park system's current condition, budget allocations, and a plan to address facility maintenance backlogs by July 1, 2035.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (7)
Gayle Harrell (R)*,
Bryan Ávila (R),
Mack Bernard (D),
Jennifer Bradley (R),
Tracie Davis (D),
Don Gaetz (R),
Carlos Smith (D),
Other Sponsors (1)
Environment and Natural Resources (Senate)
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/HB 209 (Ch. 2025-76) (on 04/30/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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