A CPA's Perspective on Florida's State Park Controversy: A Betrayal of Public Trust

As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I’ve always maintained a commitment to neutrality, especially when it comes to political issues. My focus is typically on the numbers, helping small businesses navigate the complex world of financial regulations. However, recent developments in Florida have left me with no choice but to voice my concerns. The decision to allow developers to build hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts within our state parks represents a massive betrayal of public trust, and I cannot remain silent.

Our state parks are cherished public assets, preserved for the enjoyment of all and protected from commercial exploitation. These green spaces are not just recreational areas; they are a vital part of our heritage and natural ecosystem. The idea that these lands could be sold off or leased for private gain under the guise of development is not just disappointing; it is alarming.

As a CPA, I operate in a highly regulated environment. Every decision I make, every piece of advice I offer, is bound by stringent ethical standards and regulations designed to protect the public interest. I understand the necessity of regulations—after all, they are there to maintain trust and ensure that professionals like myself act responsibly. But there is a line between regulation that protects the public and actions that betray the public trust.

The government’s role should be to safeguard our shared resources, not to hand them over to private interests for profit. What’s happening in Florida exceeds the bounds of rational regulation and strays into the territory of undermining the very trust that regulations are supposed to uphold.

In my practice, I often advise clients on the importance of stewardship—whether it's managing a business, finances, or in this case, our natural resources. Stewardship means making decisions that benefit the long-term well-being of everyone, not just a select few. The recent move to commercialize state parks flies in the face of this principle, sacrificing the public good for short-term financial gain.

This issue transcends politics; it’s about the integrity of our public institutions and the preservation of what belongs to all of us. I may not like to get political, but when the principles of stewardship, responsibility, and public trust are at stake, silence is not an option.

As a CPA, I believe in the importance of rational, well-thought-out regulations that protect the public and ensure trust. However, when the government oversteps its bounds and puts private profit over public good, it’s our duty as citizens—and as professionals—to speak out. Our state parks are more than just land; they are a promise to future generations. Let’s not allow that promise to be broken.

This blog post serves as both a personal reflection and a call to action. I hope it inspires others to think critically about the decisions being made in our state and to advocate for the protection of our public resources.