Florida’s Parks May Soon Be Home to Golf Courses and Resorts

House Bill 7001 and Senate Bill 1794

If two recently introduced bills pass, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be required to enter into a contract with legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus to design and operate golf courses at nine of Florida’s state parks. The courses would be part of a massive development plan that includes resort-style hotels, pickleball courts, and other recreational amenities.

Friends of the Everglades Responds

The plan has drawn criticism from environmental groups, including Friends of the Everglades. The group argues that the development would harm wildlife habitat and increase water pollution. “This plan is a disaster for Florida’s natural heritage,” said the group’s executive director, Eve Samples. “We urge the legislature to reject these bills and protect our state parks.”

Specific Development Plans

According to the DEP’s website, the development plans for each of the nine parks are as follows:

• Anastasia State Park: 18-hole golf course, resort hotel, conference center, and spa.
• Blue Spring State Park: 18-hole golf course, RV park, and canoe launch.
• Bulow Creek State Park: 18-hole golf course, zip line course, and treetop adventure park.
• Chiefland Astronomy Village: 18-hole golf course, observatory, and planetarium.
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park: 36-hole golf course, resort hotel, and water park.
• Little Manatee River State Park: 18-hole golf course, fishing pier, and kayak launch.
• Myakka River State Park: 18-hole golf course, horseback riding trails, and hiking trails.
• Rainbow Springs State Park: 18-hole golf course, botanical garden, and butterfly garden.
• Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park: 18-hole golf course, music venue, and dance hall.

Next Steps

The House and Senate bills are currently in committee. The House bill is scheduled to be heard by the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee on March 8th. The Senate bill is scheduled to be heard by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee on March 9th.