During the 2026 session, the Senate proposed spending $2.5 million to bring swimming to the main spring of Silver Springs State Park. This proposal would put manatees, gators and other wildlife at risk of harassment or removal, and it would be a safety issue for paddlers and swimmers trying to navigate around glass bottom boats in this already crowded area. The $2.5 million would come directly from much needed funding to fix existing state park infrastructure, so there will be less money for repairs at Homosassa Springs, Jonathan Dickinson, and other state parks across Florida.
The Florida Legislature is reconvening on Tuesday, May 12 for a special session to pass the 2026-27 budget. The Florida Springs Council’s priority during the Special Session is to stop any appropriation that would bring swimming to the main spring at Silver Springs State Park!
Visitors have the opportunity to safely swim in dozens of springs across Florida. There is no need for swimming at Silver Springs, especially given the risk to visitors and wildlife. We need to protect our springs and state parks by balancing conservation and recreation. And we need limited state park funding to go where it is needed most.
Be sure to personalize the email and add your own subject line like "Oppose Swimming at Silver Springs"
After you’ve sent your email, please call the following legislators and ask them to stop any appropriation to allow swimming at Silver Springs State Park to keep the springs, gators, manatees, and state park visitors safe:
During the 2026 session, the Senate proposed spending $2.5 million to bring swimming to the main spring of Silver Springs State Park. This proposal would put manatees, gators and other wildlife at risk of harassment or removal, and it would be a safety issue for paddlers and swimmers trying to navigate around glass bottom boats in this already crowded area. The $2.5 million would come directly from much needed funding to fix existing state park infrastructure, so there will be less money for repairs at Homosassa Springs, Jonathan Dickinson, and other state parks across Florida.
The Florida Legislature is reconvening on Tuesday, May 12 for a special session to pass the 2026-27 budget. The Florida Springs Council’s priority during the Special Session is to stop any appropriation that would bring swimming to the main spring at Silver Springs State Park!
Visitors have the opportunity to safely swim in dozens of springs across Florida. There is no need for swimming at Silver Springs, especially given the risk to visitors and wildlife. We need to protect our springs and state parks by balancing conservation and recreation. And we need limited state park funding to go where it is needed most.
Be sure to personalize the email and add your own subject line like "Oppose Swimming at Silver Springs"
After you’ve sent your email, please call the following legislators and ask them to stop any appropriation to allow swimming at Silver Springs State Park to keep the springs, gators, manatees, and state park visitors safe: