Tax Existing Golf Courses to Save Florida's State Parks
Tax Existing Golf Courses to Save Florida's State Parks
The Issue
If the state parks need funding, isn't it time for land developers to GIVE BACK? Instead of building more courses, TAX THE GOLF COURSES / GOLFERS TO FUND THE STATE PARKS!!!!!! I know many golfers are avid outdoor enthusiasts and also care about the environment. This would be a WIN / WIN - Golfing for a good cause!! They want to knock down the iconic overlook at JD State Park ... the highest elevation point in FL south of Lake Okeechobee... home to an extensive variety of rare native species... and use 1000 acres for golf courses and pickle ball. It isn't only one park. They are planning to do this to several other state parks in FL. They say these types of "upgrades" will fund the parks. However, 48 million ROUNDS OF GOLF ARE PLAYED ANNUALLY IN FLORIDA ALREADY - why not ADD ON $1 or $2 PER ROUND TO FUND THE STATE PARKS VIA THE EXISTING COURSES AND CHARGE A PERCENTAGE ONTO THE PRIVATE GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP FEES!! Who is willing to stand up for our environment and get behind this? We need momentum from people who care, including the golfers!!! I'LL SAY IT AGAIN : TIME TO GIVE BACK!!
TO BE CLEAR - WE WANT NO DEVELOPMENT OF GOLF COURSES, HOTELS, OR PICKLEBALL COURTS IN OUR STATE PARKS. TAX THE EXISTING COURSES!!
Additional Info:
As of March 2024, Florida has 1,262 golf courses, including roughly 650 public, 135 municipal, and 466 private courses. This is more than any other state in the United States. Florida also has more golf courses per capita than any other state. The courses host almost 48 million rounds of golf each year, with 54% of players being local residents, 14% being non-local Florida residents, and 33% being out-of-state visitors. Florida is also home to the PGA Tour headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach and the LPGA headquarters in Daytona Beach.
Read Pro Golfer / Course Designer (currently head of the FWC) Jack Nicklaus's sickening stance on JD state park from 2011:
508
The Issue
If the state parks need funding, isn't it time for land developers to GIVE BACK? Instead of building more courses, TAX THE GOLF COURSES / GOLFERS TO FUND THE STATE PARKS!!!!!! I know many golfers are avid outdoor enthusiasts and also care about the environment. This would be a WIN / WIN - Golfing for a good cause!! They want to knock down the iconic overlook at JD State Park ... the highest elevation point in FL south of Lake Okeechobee... home to an extensive variety of rare native species... and use 1000 acres for golf courses and pickle ball. It isn't only one park. They are planning to do this to several other state parks in FL. They say these types of "upgrades" will fund the parks. However, 48 million ROUNDS OF GOLF ARE PLAYED ANNUALLY IN FLORIDA ALREADY - why not ADD ON $1 or $2 PER ROUND TO FUND THE STATE PARKS VIA THE EXISTING COURSES AND CHARGE A PERCENTAGE ONTO THE PRIVATE GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP FEES!! Who is willing to stand up for our environment and get behind this? We need momentum from people who care, including the golfers!!! I'LL SAY IT AGAIN : TIME TO GIVE BACK!!
TO BE CLEAR - WE WANT NO DEVELOPMENT OF GOLF COURSES, HOTELS, OR PICKLEBALL COURTS IN OUR STATE PARKS. TAX THE EXISTING COURSES!!
Additional Info:
As of March 2024, Florida has 1,262 golf courses, including roughly 650 public, 135 municipal, and 466 private courses. This is more than any other state in the United States. Florida also has more golf courses per capita than any other state. The courses host almost 48 million rounds of golf each year, with 54% of players being local residents, 14% being non-local Florida residents, and 33% being out-of-state visitors. Florida is also home to the PGA Tour headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach and the LPGA headquarters in Daytona Beach.
Read Pro Golfer / Course Designer (currently head of the FWC) Jack Nicklaus's sickening stance on JD state park from 2011:
508
Supporter Voices
Petition created on August 22, 2024