To: Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection and state lawmakers have the authority to change park reservation systems. With support from the Governor, they can prioritize access for long term Florida residents.

Give Florida Natives Fair Access to State Park Reservations

Florida should explore ways to prioritize long-term Florida residents, including those who have lived in the state for many years, by providing earlier access to reservations for high demand state parks before opening access to newer residents and out of state visitors.

Why is this important?

Overpopulation and rising costs in Florida are pushing long-time residents out, not just from housing, but from the natural spaces that define life in this state. Parks that were once easily accessible are now overcrowded and require advance reservations that many Florida natives are unable to secure due to overwhelming demand.

As more people move to Florida and tourism continues to grow, the ability for long-time residents to enjoy their own state’s land is being diminished. Without action, Florida natives risk losing access to the very environments they grew up with. Prioritizing long-term residents helps restore balance and ensures that those who have called Florida home for years are not left behind.

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