Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared the “Great Outdoors Initiative.” The Republican governor signed an executive order with that title to encourage people to enjoy Florida’s award-winning outdoor recreational areas and waterways.
The GOI directs the Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, respectively, to temporarily cut in half annual state park passes and the Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses.
The price reduction runs through Jan. 13, 2024.
“Florida is home to some of the best state parks, waterways and recreational lands in the country, and I encourage all Floridians to get outdoors, experience our extraordinary natural resources and enjoy our fundamental right to hunt and fish,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “And we are now making it more affordable for families to get outside and enjoy these wonders by offering state park passes and fishing and hunting licenses at sharply discounted rates.”
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But next year, Sunshine State voters could ensure that fundamental right to enjoy the outdoors is enshrined in law forever.
Thanks to state lawmakers, a proposed state constitutional amendment states that hunting and fishing “shall be preserved forever as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.”
The proposed amendment passed in April with a unanimous vote in the House, and with only one nay vote in the Senate, cast by Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book.
The amendment needs 60% support to pass.
If adopted, Florida would join 23 other states with similar constitutional provisions.
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