In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is waiving admission fees for state parks from July 3 to July 5, 2026.
Explore Florida’s Natural Beauty
Visitors can enjoy day-use entry to nearly all of Florida’s state parks, featuring a mix of landscapes including beaches, wetlands, caverns, and springs. The state park system provides access to outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, paddling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, alongside historical resources such as forts, battlefields, and archaeological landmarks.
DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert invites all Floridians, their friends, and family to visit the state parks and enjoy the outdoors, make new memories, and support the state’s treasured public lands.
Some exceptions apply, including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which will still charge fees. Additionally, standard fees will apply for overnight accommodations, special events, concessions, and equipment rentals.
Economic Impact
Florida’s state park system is a significant contributor to the state’s tourism economy, with over 28 million visitors in the last fiscal year, generating an estimated $3.6 billion in revenue.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
