The first of what looks to be several bills regarding the controversial proposal to develop Florida’s state parks has dropped, and it’s good. But it could be better.

Filed by state Sen. Gayle Harrell of Stuart, Senate Bill 80 — the “State Park Preservation Act” — would prohibit construction of facilities like “golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and other similar facilities” in state parks. 

The bill would allow for the construction of cabins and campsites, limiting occupancy to six people; but it bans construction of hotels or lodges — like the 350-room monstrosities proposed for several state park sites earlier this year.

The act also prohibits development that “may cause significant harm to the resources of the state park,” and requires parks be managed by prioritizing “conservation-based” activities like fishing, camping, hiking and canoeing.

And it requires that the state publish details about plans to build in the state parks at least 30 days before any public meeting on the topic is held.

Again: Pretty good, and it hits most of the high (low?) points. But we would definitely like to see that 30-day period before a meeting extended to at least 45 days, and ideally even longer.

We’re also concerned about language that says public recreational uses must ensure “the conservation of this state’s natural resources by minimizing impacts to undisturbed habitat and using disturbed upland regions to the maximum extent practicable.”

Well — what’s “disturbed” mean? Understand that Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County, where developers wanted to put a golf course, was once a military base; does that qualify as “disturbed?”

Hopefully these details will be ironed out as legislation moves forward. Sen. Jennifer Bradley of Fleming Island has said she’ll be filing a separate bill; in the House, Rep. John Snyder of Martin County is expected to file companion legislation.

We’ll be keeping an eye on these bills — and will keep you informed.