Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Florida State Parks offers a limited number of free and discounted entrance programs applicable on a visit-by-visit basis:

• Children under 6 years of age admitted free at all Florida State Parks. 

• Florida school groups, including vocational schools, colleges and universities, that are accompanied by one or more teachers receive free park entry when bearing a letter from the school principal, professor or other appropriate official, certifying that the park visit is related to a specific school curriculum and is for educational purposes rather than a purely recreational outing. Visit the Florida State Parks website for more information on educational opportunities.

• Patients of Florida State mental institutions and clients of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the Florida Department of Children and Families and other similar institutions that are fully funded by federal, state or local governments are eligible to receive free park entry when such patients and/or clients are part of an organized group or program under the sponsorship and supervision of their respective institutions or parent agencies.

• Active members of the Florida National Guard, along with their spouses and minor children, receive a half-price entrance fee discount. Recipients must provide proof of eligibility.

• Florida residents currently participating in the Florida Department of Children and Families ACCESS/SNAP/EBT program (otherwise known as food stamps) receive a half-price entrance fee discount. Recipients must provide proof of eligibility.

• Employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection receive free park entry with presentation of their departmental ID badge when entering as a group of up to eight people (in one vehicle or as a group of pedestrians or bicyclists), except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs state parks, where the DEP employee and one other person enter free of charge. The DEP employee ID badge provides a 33% discount at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

Yes, you would need to pay the standard entrance fee into the park. There is no charge for parking within the park, and we offer disabled-designated parking spots. If your disability is due to U.S. military service, you may be eligible to receive a free-for-life Military Entrance Pass. 

In addition, some Florida residents with disabilities may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off nightly campsite rental rates at state parks and trailheads with campground facilities. 

For more information, please visit overnight accommodation discounts.

No, you would need to pay the standard entrance fee into the park. While we don’t have any age-related discounts for day-use park entrance, Florida residents ages 65 and older are eligible to receive a 50% discount off nightly campsite rental rates at state parks and trailheads with campground facilities. For more information, please see the “Overnight Accommodation Discounts” section at FloridaStateParks.org/fees.

We appreciate your service to our nation! While you would not be able to show a military ID to get free or discounted entry, we do offer free and discounted Entrance Passes for active duty military and honorably discharged veterans/retired military. Learn more about what eligibility documents are needed for these passes. Discounted and free passes must be sold/issued in person at a state park with a ranger station; they cannot be acquired by mail or online.