The Florida State Park System creates a sense of place and is recognized as containing the best of Florida's diverse natural and cultural heritage sustained for future generations while providing quality and appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to "The Real Florida."
Florida's 171 award-winning state park and trail properties have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,600 miles of multi-use trails attracting nearing 25 million visitors a year, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida's natural treasures.
| Parks and Trails | 171 |
| Historic Sites, Archaeological Sites and Museums | 30 |
| Total Acres | 785,397.08 |
| Upland Acres | 672,480.39 |
| Submerged Acres | 112,916.69 |
| Visitors | 24,983,179 |
| Volunteers | 27,341 |
| Volunteer Hours | 56,479 |
| Citizen Support Organizations | 84 |
| Total Revenue | $52,512,359 |
| Economic Impact | $1.16 Billion |
| Jobs Generated | 23,312 |
| Miles of Sandy Beaches | 100 |
| Miles of Trails | 1,600 |
| Cabins | 216 |
| Campsites | 3,585 |
| Lodge | 1 |
| Concessionaires | 100 |
Several of the state parks were formerly private tourist attractions which were bought by the state of Florida to preserve their natural environment. These parks include the Silver River State Park, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs.
Florida State Parks are supported by tax dollars (document stamps), user fees and to a much smaller extent charitable contributions. Many state parks have an associated local 501(c)(3) corporation, often called "Friends of {park name} State Park, Inc." Most parks charge a small entrance fee. Residents can purchase an annual entrance pass that is valid at any of the parks. Camping is available in many of the parks in well maintained and managed campgrounds. Camping fees are very reasonable.
All reservations are handled through Reserve America
Individual volunteers contribute to Florida's state parks in a variety of ways: they may greet visitors, conduct tours, assist with special events, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail. If you would like to become a state park volunteer, visit How to Apply.
Through the Friends of Florida State Parks, Inc., you have the opportunity to join in partnership with the nation's best state park system. As a friend, your dues and support help preserve incredible beaches, magnificent wetlands, historic and cultural sites and the fragile beauty of the Real Florida for generations to come.
Help "Grow Our Parks" with the launch of The new "Friends of the Florida State Parks Membership" program! With your membership, a Longleaf Pine Tree will be planted in a state park in your honor. This year's planting will take place in the Northeast region of Florida.
Your membership includes: Free One Day Passes for entrance to any of our state parks, Florida State Park Guide with listings for all 161 parks, Subscription to the Real Florida Magazine, and A Longleaf Pine Tree will be planted in a state park.
The easiest way to tell FORESTS from PARKS, is to look at the State and National Forests. If it's not a FOREST or a Grassland, then it is managed by the State or National Parks Department. In Florida that includes State Parks, Geological Parks, Archeological Parks, Historic Parks, State Preserve Parks, Museum State Parks, Wildlife State Park, Botanical State Park, Underwater Archeological Preserve State Parks, and Beach State Parks. Nationally it includes National Sea Shores, Historic Sites, and National Monuments.
There is a continuum of comfort and safety that you need to consider as you travel through Florida. Comfort encompasses things like air conditioning, clean food service, clean rest rooms, potable water, and places to sit in the shade. Safety is being free of the fear of crime and bodily harm.
State Parks are the best maintained and most maintained self-service wilderness. There are many more facilities in most State Parks than in a typical State Forest. Many have vendors, hotels, formal campgrounds and playgrounds. They are wild, but during the day the main areas resemble a city park. Poisonous snakes or large predators are more frequent than in a city park, and both the flora and terrain can cause injuries to the unaware or unprepared. In Florida, some museums and historical sites are State Parks. The State Park system in Florida has rangers, Fish and Wildlife Police Officers have replaced the former "DEP Park Police", and there are often local Sheriff Departments patrolling them. Technology is creeping into some parks. In addition to interpretive signage, a placard gives a phone number to call from your cellular telephone, and a site code to key in. Then a narrative with background music and sound effects tells you about the site.
These State Parks have had virtual hiking videos done on at least one trail. The POV, or "Point Of View" hikes make it appear like you are walking the trail.
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
Fanning Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Hillsborough River State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park
Links to other pages that may interest you....
Hiker Group Page on Facebook
Boardwalk Hiking Trail Page on Facebook
About this "Boardwalk Book".....
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