Many parks offer facilities for birding or horseback riding; there are several battle reenactments; and freshwater springs and beaches are Florida's gems.

[20] Florida State Parks are supported by tax dollars (document stamps), user fees, and to a much smaller extent charitable contributions.

On 19 August 2024 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced plans[21] to build golf courses and 350-room lodges on state park lands.

DeSantis, an enthusiastic golfer, controls the Department of Environmental Protection, and has increased his influence over the agency in comparison to former governors.

In an unprecedented move that critics said violated state law, he unilaterally appointed its secretary without approval by other members of the Florida Cabinet.

[23] An unusual bipartisan showing of elected officials in the state Legislature, Cabinet and the US Congress expressed opposition to the plans, which include the construction of disc golf courses, pickleball courts, and cabins.

He wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that he remains in "strong opposition" and exhorted other lawmakers in the legislature to follow suit.

Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, who has lobbied in the state legislature to increase conservation land, said: "Our vision did not contemplate the addition of golf courses and hotels, which in my view are not in-line with the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of nature.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, said that he had learned from media reports about the state park development plan, and that he has "serious concerns".