The "State Park Preservation Act" aims to improve the management and conservation of state lands, particularly public parks and recreational areas. It mandates public hearings for all updated land management plans, ensuring community involvement, and requires the Division of State Lands to provide electronic copies of these plans at least 30 days prior to the hearings. The bill also sets specific management requirements for state parks, including prohibiting certain construction activities and establishing criteria for camping cabins. Additionally, it revises the duties of the Division of Recreation and Parks to focus on conservation-based recreational uses that protect natural resources and historical sites.

The bill CS/HB 209 further amends existing laws governing Florida's state parks by changing terminology and modifying the responsibilities of the Division of Recreation and Parks. It clarifies the enforcement role of the Division of Law Enforcement within the Department of Environmental Protection and introduces new provisions for granting privileges and permits for park land use. The legislation establishes guidelines for camping cabin installations, mandates the development of individual management plans with public input, and requires a report from the Department of Environmental Protection by December 1, 2025, to address the state park system's condition and maintenance needs by July 1, 2035. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 209 Filed: 253.034, 258.004, 259.032
H 209 c1: 253.034, 258.004