ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you're looking for an excuse to visit at least a few of the 175 Florida state parks, the state is offering a huge discount on annual passes.
From now until Jan. 13, 2024, you can get annual passes for either families or individuals for 50 percent off. This is part of Gov. Ron DeSantis' "Great Outdoors Initiative," aimed at getting Floridians to go outdoors and explore the Sunshine State's natural resources, including the vast number of state parks.
With DeSantis' initiative, the governor signed an executive order directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide a "significant" 50 percent discount on annual state park passes. The order also directs the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to provide the same discount on FWC Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses.
“Florida is home to some of the best state parks, waterways and recreational lands in the country, and I encourage all Floridians to get outdoors, experience our extraordinary natural resources and enjoy our fundamental right to hunt and fish,” DeSantis said in a statement. “And we are now making it more affordable for families to get outside and enjoy these wonders by offering state park passes and fishing and hunting licenses at sharply discounted rates.”
Florida State Parks Annual Passes will have a 50% discount and will be available at the following rates:
- Family Annual Pass - $60, plus tax
- Individual Annual Pass - $30, plus tax
The following FWC Gold Sportsman licenses, which include saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, hunting privileges and all associated permits, will be available at the following discounted rates, plus fees:
- Annual Gold Sportsman - $50.75
- Five-year Gold Sportsman - $247.75
- Lifetime Sportsman License
- Age 4 or younger - $201.50
- Ages 5–12 - $351.50
- Ages 13 and older - $501.50
For more information about the program or how to purchase these annual passes, click here.