Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed into law a measure that prohibits new commercial development in Florida’s state parks, imposes permanent restrictions on certain construction activities, and directs long-term planning and oversight requirements for the management of public conservation lands.

The legislation, HB 209, known as the State Park Preservation Act, passed the Legislature unanimously earlier this month following bipartisan pushback against previously proposed developments in state parks. The new law prohibits the Division of Recreation and Parks from authorizing or constructing sporting facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and ball fields within state parks. It also bars the installation of lodging establishments, though it allows for the continued operation and maintenance of existing facilities.

The law permits the Division to acquire, install, or authorize cabins and campsites within state parks, provided the siting complies with approved land management plans and avoids impacts to critical habitats and historical resources. It also reaffirms that all state parks must be managed primarily for conservation-based recreational uses, including hiking, camping, fishing, birding, and similar low-impact activities.

In addition to regulating development, the law adds procedural requirements for land planning on state-managed property. State agencies must now hold publicly noticed hearings when updating, not just creating, land management plans for both conservation and non-conservation lands. For parcels located within state parks or exceeding 160 acres, the plans must be made available electronically at least 30 days in advance of the hearing. Each plan must be developed with input from an advisory group consisting of agency representatives, local property owners, elected officials, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders.

The measure also renames the St. Marks River Preserve State Park in Leon and Jefferson counties as Ney Landrum State Park, honoring the former director of Florida’s park system.

By December 1, the Department of Environmental Protection must deliver a report to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker identifying all park amenities that are closed or restricted due to needed repairs, along with a breakdown of fiscal year 2023–2024 expenditures by category. The report must include a cost estimate and plan for restoring public access to all such amenities by July 1, 2035.

The law takes effect July 1.