Bill giving residents priority at booking FL state parks

[plasticmaster]

If you're interested in Florida State Bill 76 which allows Floridians a one month head start at booking Florida State Parks campsites, here's Senator Hooper's presentation to committee. He begins at the 8:15 mark. If passed, it would basically eliminate non Floridians from camping at popular Florida State Parks, due to the competitive nature of reserving these sites. I believe his presentation is a little misguided though because I've observed every summer over the last 14 years at Bahia Honda at least 80 to 90% of the campers being from Florida.

https://www.flsenate.gov/media/videoplayer?EventID=1_ky7xx6qg-202301171330&Redirect=true

[valhalla360]

Dutch_12078 wrote:

You do understand that you're telling the snowbird crowd you don't want our money coming into your state don't you. What we spend for state park sites is only a small part of what we spend at area businesses and attractions.

Not at all. State parks are typically heavily subsidized in terms of operation and facilities and hold prime land that most private parks could never afford.

The snowbird folks who use them heavily are taking advantage of that subsidy. On a modest scale, that's fine but if it's keeping out the folks who pay for the bulk of that subsidy (residents), it's certainly reasonable to tilt the table in favor of the locals a bit more.

Plenty of private parks available for those who want to visit florida.

[agesilaus]

You do understand that you're telling the snowbird crowd you don't want our money coming into your state don't you. What we spend for state park sites is only a small part of what we spend at area businesses and attractions.

Not at all, you guys can take your chances with us. And as pointed out, there are thousands of private cg. Lately with all the tack ons, I'm not sure the SP are much if any cheaper.

[Bears_Den]

I’m with you Dennis.

[Dennis_Henderso]

plasticmaster wrote:
... I believe his presentation is a little misguided though because I've observed every summer over the last 14 years at Bahia Honda at least 80 to 90% of the campers being from Florida.

https://www.flsenate.gov/media/videoplayer?EventID=1_ky7xx6qg-202301171330&Redirect=true

Thank you for the link. I agree that the majority of SUMMER campers are from Florida. No one else from up north in their right mind would want to come to camp in HOT Florida in the summer.

The reverse is true, however, for the great weather months of October, November, December, January, February and March. Out-of-staters and Canadians are in the majority.

Most other state parks around the country and many county parks give residents an advantage over non-residents. We are hoping for that to happen here with our Florida State Parks and our residents.

Denny and Cindy Henderson

[Dutch_12078]

agesilaus wrote:

ronharmless wrote:
Well to me I it would depend: who is carrying most of the freight and by how much - camping fees or state taxpayers? Private campgrounds it’s a no brainer.

It is obvious that for SP that the taxpayer is footing the bill. I suspect the actual operating costs are all or mostly funded by fees tho. I have no doubt the cg would still be filled up no matter who has preference. Land purchases are funded by a Doc Fee tax I believe. I've lost track how many parks the state has, near 200 when I last checked.

The only obvious way to give residents preference would seem to be opening the reservation period for the first X time to residents only.
Maybe if there is a six month res period giving the residents the first four months.

I am 100 persent for this.

They need to fix the online system which is awful right now. Bettter to go back to the old system.

You do understand that you're telling the snowbird crowd you don't want our money coming into your state don't you. What we spend for state park sites is only a small part of what we spend at area businesses and attractions.

[Lantley]

To think out of towners don't pay and add to the Fla. economy is misguided.
Tourism is Florida's thing. Should all state's adopt Florida's approach?

[Walaby]

I agree with Plasticmaster. When Im at Florida state parks, the majority of campers have Florida tags. My impression is Floridians are competing against other Floridians, and some out of state campers. I don't know that changing the rules to allow residents to make reservations before non-residents will do much to actually change what happens at the popular parks.

I can understand the sentiment that locals, paying taxes that support the parks, should get priority, but tourism is the number one business for Florida, is it not? How do you think this rule will impact tourism?

Popular parks will remain popular and still be just as difficult to get in, in my opinion.

Mike

[wapiticountry]

Florida residents not getting sites at Florida state parks vote in Florida elections. Out of state RVers not getting a site don’t .

[magnusfide]

THIS.

ronharmless wrote:
Well to me I it would depend: who is carrying most of the freight and by how much - camping fees or state taxpayers? Private campgrounds it’s a no brainer.

If I were a Florida resident whose taxes supported the state parks, I would want to be able to get reservations earlier. I think those paying the taxes that support those state parks should be able to have access to that benefit.

Florida has plenty of private campgrounds. If I'm ever in Florida, I make do with what I can find. I'm there to see relatives and friends.

[plasticmaster]

When I camp at popular state parks in my home state of SC, the vast majority of license plates are from SC with the remainder from other states and Canada. When I camp at popular Florida State Parks like Bahia Honda, the vast majority of license plates are from Florida. I don't understand why Floridians claim that they can't get a campsite. Anyway, I just hope this doesn't pass as it would eliminate me and other out of staters from camping at popular Florida State Parks. Btw, I don't want this conversation turning political either, but I think it's a relevant subject for those who enjoy camping at Florida State Parks.

[agesilaus]

ronharmless wrote:
Well to me I it would depend: who is carrying most of the freight and by how much - camping fees or state taxpayers? Private campgrounds it’s a no brainer.

It is obvious that for SP that the taxpayer is footing the bill. I suspect the actual operating costs are all or mostly funded by fees tho. I have no doubt the cg would still be filled up no matter who has preference. Land purchases are funded by a Doc Fee tax I believe. I've lost track how many parks the state has, near 200 when I last checked.

The only obvious way to give residents preference would seem to be opening the reservation period for the first X time to residents only.
Maybe if there is a six month res period giving the residents the first four months.

I am 100 persent for this.

They need to fix the online system which is awful right now. Bettter to go back to the old system.

[johnhicks]

What happens at many state and coe parks is that the locals snap up every site every weekend, effectively locking out anyone who wants to stay a week or two. This would just guarantee that happens. Snowbirds will just go to commercial parks, Texas or Arizona. If other states follow suit it'll also mean that Floridians won't be able to stay at other states' parks either.

[dedmiston]

Just a heads up to please please please please keep the politics out of this thread.

Contrary to popular belief, I really hate closing threads.

[ronharmless]

Well to me I it would depend: who is carrying most of the freight and by how much - camping fees or state taxpayers? Private campgrounds it’s a no brainer.