Department of Environmental Protection

Recreation and Parks

Printer Friendly Version

For assistance, call 850-245-3029 or visit https://floridadep.gov/parks

What is the purpose of the program?

The goal of the Florida Park Service is to help create a sense of place by showing park visitors the best of Florida's diverse natural and cultural sites. Florida's state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by this and future generations through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation, and education that help visitors connect to the real Florida.

What services does the program provide?

The Recreation and Parks program includes several programs.

The Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources provides technical and professional services to preserve and manage the natural and cultural resources in Florida's state parks.
The Florida Outdoor Recreation Inventory provides a comprehensive inventory of outdoor recreation resources and facilities in Florida.
Land Acquisition and Administration identifies, evaluates, and establishes priorities for the Division's land acquisition program.
Each state park or state trail in the Florida State Parks system has a unit management plan that is reviewed every ten years.
Office of Greenways and Trails provides statewide leadership and coordination to establish, expand, and promote the Florida Greenways and Trails System.
The Office of Park Planning provides technical support and professional services beneficial to management of the Florida Park Service.
The Park Mapping and Databases maintains a comprehensive repository of assets located in state parks.
The Public Participation Schedule provides information about opportunities for public participation at scheduled state park preliminary public workshops, public meetings, and advisory group meetings.
The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is the state's official document regarding outdoor recreation planning.

How many individuals visit Florida's state parks and trails, and how much economic impact do they generate?

In Fiscal Year 2021-22, over 32 million people visited Florida's state parks and trails, which generated over $84.9 million in revenue. The state park system's impact on local economies throughout Florida exceeds $2 billion.

How are volunteers and private support organizations used by the Recreation and Parks Program?

Florida's state parks have benefited from the efforts of friend groups, or citizen support organizations, and the Florida State Parks Foundation. These organizations and park volunteers provide support by volunteering, educating visitors, hosting events, and raising funds for specific park projects.

In addition, companies, businesses, and organizations work with Florida State Parks by providing days of volunteer service. These companies have helped with projects such as painting, debris removal, kiosk construction, and native vegetation restoration projects.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2023-24

	Fund	Dollars	Positions
PROGRAM: RECREATION AND PARKS
	COASTAL AND AQUATIC MANAGED AREAS	488,452,189	223.00
	STATE PARK OPERATIONS	281,941,732	1,041.50
TOTAL		770,393,921	1,264.50

Source: www.transparencyflorida.gov

Updates

State Park Campsite Reservations. The 2023 Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-62, Laws of Florida, whichrequires the Division of Recreation and Parks of the Department of Environmental Protection to allow residents and nonresidents to reserve state park cabins and campsites, including sites for RV, tent, boat, and equestrian camping as follows.

Florida residents may make reservations up to 11 months in advance.
A Florida resident must provide proof of residency (a Florida driver license or identification card) when making reservations more than 10 months in advance.
Nonresidents may make reservations up to 10 months in advance.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
2022 Florida State Parks Recreational Facilities Inventory Report, Department of Environmental Protection, September 2022
Citizen Support Organization Direct-Support Organization 2022 Annual Report, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, August, 2022
Florida Greenways & Trails System Plan and Maps, Department of Environmental Protection
2019 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), Department of Environmental Protection
A complete list of the Department of Environmental Protection's Office of the Inspector General reports are available on its website

Websites of Interest
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. State Park List
National Association of State Park Directors
National Parks Conservation Association

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Chapters 258, 259, 260, 375, and 418, Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

Division of Recreation and Parks, 850-245-3029
Website