Latest news with #FloridaLegislature
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida Legislature reaches preliminary budget agreement
The Brief Legislative leaders in Florida say they've reached a budget deal that includes nearly $2 billion in tax relief. The agreement paves the way for lawmakers to negotiate full spending details next week. A final vote is expected by June 16, just in time for the July 1 fiscal deadline. TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The Florida Legislature has tentatively reached a budget agreement, Florida House speaker Daniel Perez told state leaders in a memo late Friday. What we know After weeks of stalled negotiations, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton announced late Friday that they've agreed on a budget framework for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. By the numbers The $900 million plan eliminates the tax on commercial leases, a long-pursued priority for business groups, and includes $350 million in permanent sales-tax exemptions aimed at helping Florida families. It also allocates $250 million to debt reduction and $750 million to the state's rainy-day fund. What they're saying House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, issued memos that indicated they expect to pass a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on June 16. The memos came after weeks of behind-the-scenes talks aimed at trying to kick-start the conference negotiating process. "I appreciate everyone's patience during this unusual and protracted allocation process. I am pleased to inform you that we have reached an agreement with the Florida Senate," Speaker Perez said in the memo, adding that the budget conference would begin next week. "We will also be taking up a joint resolution to amend the Florida Constitution to raise the cap on the Budget Stabilization Fund (BSF) from 10% to 25% and require an annual payment ($750 million) into the BSF until the cap has been reached," he said. "In total, the framework set forth in these allocations provides for a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that reduces state spending, lowers per capita spending, and reduces the growth of state bureaucracy," Albritton wrote in his memo. "The budget authorizes early payoff of state debt, accounts for significant, broad-based tax relief, and builds on historic state reserves for emergencies," he added. The backstory The budget impasse stems from deep divisions between the House and Senate over how to cut taxes. The House initially pushed a $5 billion plan that would have slashed the state's sales-tax rate, while the Senate favored targeted tax holidays and commercial-lease tax reductions. Although leaders said on May 2 that they'd agreed to a $2.8 billion tax cut package, that tentative deal fell apart publicly when Perez accused Albritton of backing out. Albritton countered that senators felt a blanket sales-tax cut wouldn't be felt meaningfully by Floridians. Big picture view The delay in passing a budget highlights ongoing friction within Florida's Republican-led government, particularly when it comes to fiscal priorities. With a $117 billion proposed state budget, decisions around tax policy reflect competing visions of how best to ease the cost burden on residents and stimulate the economy. The current deal leans on more targeted tax relief, signaling a shift toward smaller-scale benefits rather than across-the-board cuts. Dig deeper Among the negotiated agreements that Speaker Perez noted in his memo: $2.25 billion in recurring revenue reductions Elimination of the business rent tax ($900 million) Permanent sales tax exemptions ($350 million) $250 million in debt reduction The Florida House will convene on Thursday, June 5 at 9 a.m. The House Budget will convene that same day in the afternoon. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his budget proposal in February and tasked the Florida Legislature to take it up quickly. However, state lawmakers had to extend their talks as they were unable to reach an agreement. Among Gov. DeSantis' budget wishes: Repeal of the state's business rent tax Creation of a new venture capital tax credit program, funded at $100 million A 14-day back-to-school sales tax holiday on school supplies, clothing, and computers Two 14-day disaster preparedness sales tax holidays on hurricane supplies A one-month summer sales tax holiday on outdoor recreation items A 7-day tool time sales tax holiday on tools Second Amendment sales tax holiday between Memorial Day and Fourth of July on ammunition, firearms, and accessories A two-month boating fuel tax holiday on gas A year-long exemption of the mortgage tax A 2-year delay of the natural gas fuel tax set to start Jan. 1, 2026 What we don't know The memos released by legislative leaders did not specify which items will be covered by the $350 million in sales-tax exemptions. They also omitted any reference to the property-tax relief that Gov. Ron DeSantis had previously championed. The lack of detail leaves questions about how the exemptions will be structured and which families or income brackets may benefit most. What's next Conference committees will start meeting on Tuesday to negotiate details of the different parts of the budget, such as education, healthcare and criminal justice. Unresolved issues will go Thursday to House Budget Chairman Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Ed Hooper, R-Trinity, for further negotiations. The fiscal year will start July 1, which, if a budget passes June 16, will give Gov. Ron DeSantis two weeks to use his line-item veto authority. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source House Speaker Daniel Perez issued a statement late Friday, May 30. Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his budget goals in February 2025.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. DeSantis urges hurricane preparedness for 2025 season
The Brief Gov. Ron DeSantis is emphasizing the need for all Floridians to be prepared if a major storm threatens the state in 2025. He says the state will lead the way when it comes to response, adding that Florida doesn't plan to rely on the federal government. The governor also promised a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, which has not yet been set because the Florida Legislature has yet to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. JUPITER, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis is urging all Floridians to be prepared for the 2025 hurricane season, which officially begins this weekend. The governor, along with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie, spoke about storm preps at a news conference inside a Home Depot in Jupiter on Friday. What they're saying Following a 2024 season that saw Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton cause widespread damage and power outages in Florida, DeSantis emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness despite feelings of burnout among many residents. "You can hope for that, you can pray for that, but you can't prepare for a season with no hurricanes," DeSantis said. The governor also talked about the state's response to last year's storms, including restoring access to gas for drivers and establishing a debris task force to help with cleanup. "We paused all the road work… any dump truck under the control of the State of Florida was sent over to where Helene had hit," DeSantis said. PREVIOUS: Governor calls for increased transparency in storm debris pick up As far as the response at the federal level, the governor said state and local agencies have led the way and should continue to do so. "We don't rely on FEMA for any of the preparation or response efforts," DeSantis said. "[The federal government] obviously has programs where you can apply for individual assistance." Hurricane Season 2025: Duke Energy gives inside look at control center During Friday's news conference, state officials said they recommend at least seven days' worth of food, water and other critical supplies for all family members, including pets. Other common items in a disaster preparedness kit include prescription medications, a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, a sleeping bag or warm blanket, and cash. "This is the time to do it," Guthrie said. "You see a lot of things for your kit. Make sure you're getting those things now." DeSantis says since the Florida Legislature has yet to pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, no tax holiday has been set yet. He hopes that will change soon, however. "One way or another, we are going to get you tax-free disaster preparedness," DeSantis said. READ: NOAA releases hurricane forecast for 2025 Atlantic season What you can do For more information on evacuation zones and what you need to know if you're ordered to leave your home ahead of a storm, click here. What's next The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Legislature wants to make it impossible for local governments to build back better after hurricanes
A BMW lies submerged during flooding in New Smyrna Beach caused by Hurricane Ian, via New Smyrna Beach official Facebook page Hello, is this the 911 operator? I need to report someone who's a danger to themselves and others. It's the Florida Legislature. No, operator, this is not a joke! Didn't you hear what they did? After one of Florida's worst hurricane seasons in years, they passed a bill to block local governments from trying to build back better. And they did it right before the start of another hurricane season, one that's predicted to be above normal, just like last year. No, I can't tell you why it's supposed to be so bad. It involves climate change, and the governor doesn't want us to talk about that. Even if climate change wasn't heating up the Gulf of Whatchamacallit to a temperature that you're more accustomed to seeing in an oven, this hurricane season seems especially fraught with peril because of the chaos in Washington. The tumult and the shouting in D.C. are interfering with disaster aid and preparation. Nothing increases everyone's pre-storm jitters like hearing that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is not ready for the season. I know Gov. Ron DeSantis has been trying to convince everyone that Florida doesn't really need FEMA, even though it stepped up to hand over $1 billion to aid homeowners and renters last year. But this is the guy who can't even get members of his own party to approve a new state budget. That means we could be facing a state government shutdown on July 1, shortly after the start of hurricane season on June 1. So, given the unreliability of FEMA, the prediction of another horrible hurricane season, and this ill-considered bill that passed Tallahassee with flying colors, can you see why I'm worried that the Legislature wants to kill us? I mean, does it sound to you like they're paying attention to anyone's safety, including their own? Operator, the bill they passed, the one that puts everyone in peril, is Senate Bill 180. That's a pretty good description of it, too, because it's 180 degrees from what would have been much safer for all concerned. The specific part of the bill that's got me and a lot of other people worried would prevent any local government in Florida from adopting anything for its growth regulations after a hurricane that could be deemed too 'restrictive or burdensome' to developers. 'One part of the bill prevents cities and counties listed in federal disaster declarations for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton — a majority of the state — from adopting tougher development rules until October 2027. The ban is retroactive to August 2024, also threatening to undo any recent rule changes,' the Miami Herald reported last week. And there's no real end-date for what it does, either. We could be stuck with this restriction forever. 'Another part of the bill calls for a similar one-year ban anytime a local government is listed in a federal disaster declaration and lies within 100 miles of a hurricane's path,' the Herald said. 'It could renew each time a storm strikes Florida's coast, a regular occurrence for the storm-plagued state.' 'These are decisions that need to be made by local governments locally, not by people in Tallahassee,' Kim Dinkins of the smart growth group 1000 Friends of Florida told me. 'Every time a storm comes through, we learn more about how to deal with them.' Worse, she pointed out, the bill will interfere with the ability of cities and counties to take advantage of money from the feds and the state for converting septic tanks to sewers and fixing drainage problems. If those fixes require ordinance changes that affect development, such as requiring new homes to connect to the sewer lines, this bill won't allow it. How did we get here? Bear in mind that we're a state surrounded on three sides by water, so we're especially vulnerable to a rising sea level. Yet our state has seen rampant overdevelopment in flood-prone spots in recent years. Our blatantly pro-development legal and political structure has turned the state into a hotbed of poorly planned projects that are constantly risking inundation. Developers don't want that to change. Here's the truly alarming thing, operator: This idiotic bill was sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, whose own home flooded during Hurricane Helene. He's a storm victim himself, yet he's OK with blocking cities and counties from putting in place any additional protections for future storm victims. DiCeglie is in the trash-hauling business, so maybe that's why he pushed this particular piece of garbage. Despite the obvious life-threatening flaws in this bill, our fine Legislature passed it by nearly a unanimous vote in both houses. I swear, it's as if we're being governed by the writers of the TV show 'Seinfeld: 'No hugging and no learning!' And operator, did I mention that this isn't the first time they've done this kind of thing? The first time this happened was in early 2023, a few months after Hurricane Ian. Ian, you may recall, clobbered the Southwest Florida coast and killed 149 people. 'Scores drowned as they fled on foot, while in their cars or after seawater swallowed their homes,' NBC News reported. 'Ian was one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the U.S. in the past 20 years.' The high body count showed that the development pattern in that area had flaws. It would have been great if Lee County had done something to adjust its building regulations in response. But Lee couldn't. When the Legislature met in special session the following February, one of Lee County's own, Sen. Jonathan Martin of Fort Myers, sponsored a bill that said local officials in the area hit by Ian could not impose any new development rules deemed 'more restrictive or burdensome' than what was already on the books. Marttin's bill passed the Legislature and was signed into law by DeSantis. It covered a 100 square mile radius affected by Ian. Also, it was set to expire in 2024. That was strike one. Months later, the Big Bend area was smashed by powerful Hurricane Idalia. The casualty count wasn't as high, but the property damage was really bad. During a special session in November 2023, a new bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Shoaf of Port St. Joe, extended the ban on any commonsense regulation changes on development through 2026. Worse, it expanded the area affected to list 10 specific counties that had to wear the Legislature's handcuffs: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota. DeSantis signed that one into law as well. Call that strike two. Then came this year's session and SB 180. The guv hasn't put pen to paper on this one, so we can't call it strike three — yet. Some groups, such as Volusia and Miami-Dade counties, are urging him to veto it. The bill will 'not only limit our ability to responsibly manage development, flooding, and ensure public safety … but also could expose local governments to attorney's fees and costly litigation if local government regulations, enacted in good faith, are challenged,' Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava wrote to the governor this week. 'This legislation prevents local governments from enacting changes that may help our citizens in future storm events,' the Volusia County Council wrote to him in its own veto letter. But I doubt DeSantis will listen to them, because this bill benefits developers. Our governor loves developers even more than he loves eating pudding while wearing his white go-go boots. Operator, I asked around about who was behind this bill. The word in Tallahassee is that its major proponent is a big-time developer in Manatee County named Pat Neal. Neal is a former legislator who's built 25,000 homes in Florida, most of them in Manatee and Sarasota counties. He's now a billionaire, according to Forbes magazine, but compares himself a hungry seagull — and not the touchy-feely Jonathan Livingston kind. 'I have the right to swoop down on any chicken bone,' he told the magazine proudly. That's not a motto you'd hear from someone who's much concerned about the fate of his fellow man. Thus, even though the Florida housing market seems to be headed for another crash with all the rapidity of a competitor in a demolition derby, Neal plans to keep building more and more homes. It's what he's been doing since the '70s, and as the '70s soul duo McFadden & Whitehead would say, 'Ain't no stopping him now.' However, the Manatee County Commission, alarmed by flooding from last year's hurricanes, has proposed a development moratorium while they figure out how to build subdivisions and other projects that will drain better. Neal has been one of the more vocal opponents of a development moratorium, and his opinion does carry a lot of weight. He's a guy for whom public officials tend to do favors. For instance, 10 years ago I watched in open-mouthed wonder as the members of the Southwest Florida Water Management District board did Neal a huge favor. They did so despite the fact that it went against a judge's ruling and they did it over the strong objections of environmental activists. Now that the Legislature has said no local government can pass any 'burdensome' post-storm regulations, the Manatee moratorium has been murdered in its crib. All you little Floridians must kneel to Neal and his needs! Give him all your chicken bones! I tried reaching Neal to ask him about this, but he didn't respond. Perhaps he was too busy squelching other good ideas for coping with the increasing intensity of Florida's hurricanes. If this bill becomes law, all the folks buying Neal-built homes will be just as much at risk of flooding as they were last year and the years before that, too. But more importantly, Neal will still make money and spend his spare time contemplating his legacy. 'We want to make sure that what we leave behind is authentic and good,' he told Forbes. I hope someone will point out to him that homes he considers 'authentic and good' won't stay that way if they turn soggy with the next big storm surge and fill up with mold. The larger problem, dear operator, is that Manatee County was far from the only place in hurricane-ravaged Florida where officials were talking about imposing new building regulations. Just down the road from Manatee, over in Polk County, the county commissioners were considering new stormwater requirements for developments in stressed basins, as well as some other changes. Not anymore. Here was the headline in the Lakeland Ledger: 'Polk County delays vote on roosters, chicken coops and development issues over pending state bill.' The chicken coop line is no yolk (sorry!). Polk commissioners had been considering new restrictions on where homeowners can keep their chickens. But because DiCeglie's bill passed, it's Polk County that's cooped up with its existing regulations. Polk's commissioners voted to hold off taking any action until they see what DeSantis will do. But that's not as big an impact as what's happening in New Smyrna Beach. Back in 2022, after Ian passed through, the town of New Smyrna Beach first proposed a moratorium on growth. In those days, you almost never heard the M-word in Florida. But the folks in New Smyrna Beach were desperate. During Ian's onslaught, the city experienced 'close to 21 inches of rain and 4 feet of storm surge in some areas,' the Daytona Beach News Journal reported. 'County and city first responders rescued about 215 individuals as a result of the flooding, while over 850 homes suffered catastrophic damage to their properties.' That was followed in 2023 by two non-hurricane storms that caused serious street flooding in a section of town called Venetian Bay. Major roads were impassable for days on end. Residents demanded the city do something. That led to a moratorium on building permits pending work on fixing the drainage system. The city also passed new stormwater regulations in February. But all that will go away if DeSantis signs SB 180. As a result, city officials have written to the governor urging him to veto the bill, and they're encouraging all of New Smyrna's 32,000 residents to do the same. I sure hope they fill up DeSantis' inbox with urgent pleas for him to pay attention to this issue. So, tell me, operator, can you help us all out? Send over some paramedics or even some cops to handle these self-destructive lawmakers? Help them to recover their sense of who they're supposed to serve? Because if not, all of us residents are likely to need some really urgent aid around the time the first big storm hits. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Basically forced medication': Florida's Ron DeSantis signs farm bill rewriting rules on water, agriculture
Florida just rewrote a large chunk of its agricultural rule book. On May 15, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 700 into law. The 100-plus page 'Florida Farm Bill' rewires state agriculture from the faucet to the skies. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The law bans community water fluoridation, forbids plant-based drinks from using words like 'milk,' grounds activist drones, shields 4-H projects from zoning fights and lets growers sue banks that deny loans over climate policies. Most provisions kick in by July 1, reshaping daily life for farmers and consumers alike. Here's how these changes could impact Floridians. The headline change of the bill is a statewide ban on adding fluoride to drinking water. The law doesn't specifically mention fluoride; rather the law bans 'The use of any additives in a public water system which do not meet the definition of a water quality additive as defined in s. 403.852, or the use of any additives included primarily for health-related purposes." DeSantis called fluoridation 'forced medication on people' and said residents can add the mineral at home if they wish. Florida is only the second state to ban fluoride in drinking water; Utah outlawed it in March. But officials and medical experts are concerned about the long-term impact. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava shared a statement in which she said, in part: 'I am deeply disappointed by the Florida Legislature's decision to pursue a statewide ban on water fluoridation, a decision that disregards the overwhelming consensus of dentists, doctors, and medical experts and will end a practice that has been in place for decades to protect our health.' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Dental Association still rank water fluoridation among the top public-health wins of the 20th century, noting it cuts cavities by more than 25% even in the toothpaste era. Hawaii, where only 11% of residents get fluoridated water, records the nation's worst child-decay rate — 71% of third-graders have tooth decay, compared to the national average of 52%. The CDC notes that cavities often go untreated and can cause pain and severe infections that may result in issues with eating, playing and learning. In some cases, cavities can lead to abscesses, which can, in rare cases, lead to death. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs The bill also orders 'truth in labeling,' targeting plant-based or lab-grown products. These products can no longer use the words milk, meat, poultry or eggs. "If it's not grown on a hoof, you're not going to be able to call it meat," Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said at the signing ceremony held on his property. "And if it's not out of an udder, you're not going to be able to call it milk." For producers, this law change means they must make changes to labeling including removing the word "milk" from packaging for milk alternatives like soy milk, oat milk and almond milk. Shoppers can expect clearer language on the products they buy and, possibly, a modest price hike as procedures scramble to update their packaging. The law also covers three other farm-related topics, including drone usage over farms, 4-H funding and how lenders extend credit to farmers. Flying a drone over agricultural or hunting land without written consent is now illegal. Florida House of Representatives Member Danny Alvarez said the measure ensures farmers are protected. "Our farmers and hunters are the backbone of Florida's heritage, and they deserve to be protected from those who would use drones to intimidate and disrupt them. I'm glad to see Commissioner Simpson lead forward and fight back against those who would try to cause them harm,' shared Rep. Alvarez Drones have been used by activists looking to monitor poaching and illegal deforestation and keep a watchful eye on zoos and aquariums. In 2013, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a drone campaign to track illegal hunting in Massachusetts. They've also been used to get a bird's-eye view of factory farms in the midwest. However, no major news sources have reported on any Florida farmers being harassed by drones. In fact, farmers are beginning to use drones to detect pests and signs of stress in crops. The bill also protects 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs. Under the bill, local governments are banned from zoning changes that make it harder for 4-H and FFA programs to operate. Schools can now classify on-campus barns and gardens as 'agricultural,' shielding student livestock projects from zoning disputes and even providing scholarships for FFA dues. And a bill provision called 'Florida Farmer Financial Protection Act' bars lenders from denying credit to producers because of environmental, social or governance (ESG) standards and lets farmers sue if they suspect discrimination. Anthony DiMarco, executive vice-president of government relations at the Florida Bankers Association, was reported to have objected to the provision, saying it would increase lawsuits against lenders, bar banks from cutting ties with high-risk clients such as medical-marijuana firms and encourage other industries to demand the same legal weapon. With fluoride on its way out, labels changing, drones grounded and lenders on notice, Florida's farm bill is redrawing the state's agricultural landscape — leaving dentists, plant-based brands and bankers bracing for what comes next. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Florida's new parks law is just a start. Now DeSantis must enforce it.
It didn't have the pomp and circumstance that it deserved, but Gov. Ron DeSantis did the right thing — albeit grudgingly — by signing legislation into law to protect Florida's 175 state parks from encroaching development. The challenge he and future Florida governors now face is to make sure that the State Parks Preservation Act is both respected and enforced. Floridians have made their feelings known ever since last summer's disclosures that developers wanted to build golf courses, pickleball courts and swanky hotels in nine parks, including the Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The outrage started with irate park visitors protesting in front of the targeted state parks. It only grew from there as more individuals and environmental groups across the state joined the fray. Their outrage prompted local lawmakers, state Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, and state Reps. John Snyder, R-Stuart, and Peggy Gossett-Seidman, R-Boca Raton, to file bills — SB 80 and HB 209, respectively — that received unanimous support and approval within the Florida Legislature. Editorial: Florida's new parks law is just a start in protecting our state's environment The public sent a crystal-clear message that they don't want to see the state's natural and undisturbed forests, parks and "wild" open spaces transformed into gaudy tourist traps. The bill may have become law without the fanfare of a public signing event, but the fact that the new environmental protection law now exists shows that DeSantis has gotten the peoples' memo. Floridians will be vigilant in making sure that preservation remains a priority of state government, as evidenced by the thousands of texts and phone calls received by state lawmakers before and during this year's legislative session. Also, by their reaction via emailed Letters to the Editor, op-eds, Facebook posts and more to the USA Today Network-Florida Opinion Group's unrelenting campaign to get the legislation passed and signed into law. Opinion: How Gov. Ron DeSantis can spin signing the FL 'State Park Preservation Act' The debacle that resulted in the new law came from an unlikely source — the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. DEP, designed to be the lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, crafted a seemingly counterproductive initiative. Dubbed The Great Outdoors Initiative, the plan was designed to increase park interest by allowing developers to build attractions and facilities not normally associated with protected natural habitats. Access is one thing, but building three golf courses in the beloved Jonathan Dickinson State Park, as initially proposed, is simply outrageous. Harrell was the first lawmaker to recognize the mounting outrage. In the midst of the public outcry, she announced that she would file a bill to address the mounting concerns of commercializing Florida's parks. She filed SB 80 and that bill, and its House counterpart, won unanimous approval at each committee stop. By the time, the bills reached the floors of the Florida House and Senate, it was obvious that the legislation was heading to the governor's desk. The initial statewide protests caught the eyes of many lawmakers — both state and federal. When confronted with questions about the controversial initiative that clearly came out of an agency he controlled, Gov. DeSantis initially distanced himself from the proposal. He later blamed "left-wing groups" for stirring up opposition to what was very bad plan. Neither reaction slowed the determination of Floridians who wanted their state parks to remain parks. Nine months and a 180-degrees later, DeSantis signed the bill into law, and Floridians now have a new legal layer of park protection. It's both a victory and a start. The task now for the governor, DEP officials and indeed, for all Floridians, is to ensure that the letter and spirit of the new parks law is followed to fullest extent possible. This editorial was written as part of a campaign by the USA Today Network Florida Opinion Group to support Senate Bill 80 and protect Florida's state parks from development. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida has a new parks law. Enforcement must be priority | Editorial
