Proposed National Park for Ocala: A Win for Springs, A Loss for Hunters?

A new push in Congress could bring America its next national park—and put Florida’s beloved springs at the heart of it. But while some conservationists are cheering, hunters across the state are bracing for what could be another blow to already-limited access.

The Proposal

Rep. Randy Fine wants to see Ocala National Forest and surrounding lands transformed into Florida Springs National Park. The plan, introduced last month in Washington, would order a federal study on whether the 2,800-square-mile region—stretching from Jacksonville down past Orlando—should be elevated from its current patchwork of national forest, state parks, and preserves.

The idea sounds simple: protect the aquifer, spotlight the springs, and funnel in tourism dollars. “This is something both conservatives and liberals can get behind,” Fine said, framing it as a bipartisan win for Florida’s environment.

Why People Like It

For environmental groups, the pitch is hard to resist. National park status could mean more funding, more federal protections, and more attention for fragile freshwater ecosystems that have long been overshadowed by Florida’s beaches. Supporters say it would lock in conservation at a time when development is pressing hard on natural resources.

Tourism boosters see upside too. A national park draws global visitors, not just day-trippers. Just look at the crowds that flock to Everglades National Park every year.

The Hidden Catch

But beneath the buzz lies a thorny issue: hunting.

Right now, Ocala National Forest is one of the state’s most accessible hunting grounds. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it offers quota hunts and permits for deer, turkey, small game, and more. For generations of Florida hunters, it’s been a lifeline—a place where families teach kids to track whitetails or sit quietly in the woods at sunrise.

Turn it into a national park, and that access could vanish. Unlike national forests, which balance recreation with resource use, hunting is almost always off-limits in national parks.

That has hunters worried. “We’ve already lost so much ground in Florida,” one critic wrote on social media. “This doesn’t pass the smell test and it would limit hunting.”

More Than Tradition

For many, hunting isn’t just sport—it’s part of wildlife management. Florida relies on structured hunting seasons to keep deer and turkey populations balanced, and license fees directly support conservation programs. Critics argue that shutting down Ocala to hunters risks cutting out both a cultural tradition and a practical tool.

And then there’s cost. Even without national park status, fees at Ocala springs have soared in recent years, with some sites charging $13 a head and $20 for parking. Families who used to spend weekends at the springs for just a few dollars now feel priced out. Opponents of the proposal fear that a shiny new “national park” sign will only push costs higher.

Timing Matters

The debate also comes at a sensitive moment. Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission just approved its first black bear hunt in over a decade, despite fierce public opposition. The decision underscored how divisive hunting policy already is in the state. To hunters, the national park idea feels like yet another squeeze.

A Balancing Act Ahead

None of this is to say the springs don’t deserve protection. They do. Ocala’s aquifer, rivers, and lakes are irreplaceable. But the path forward may not be as simple as flipping a national forest into a national park. Some suggest alternatives, like creating a National Recreation Area, which could boost protections while keeping hunting intact.

For now, the bill only calls for a study. But if the idea gains steam, Florida will have to wrestle with the tradeoffs—between drawing tourists and keeping locals involved, between preserving water and preserving heritage.

The springs may well deserve the gold-standard protections of a national park. But if it comes at the cost of Florida hunters losing one of their last bastions of access, many will wonder: is it worth the trade?