The Florida State Parks encompass the majority of the lands that fall under the authority of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. There are 160 such entities, including nature reserves, recreation areas, and historic sites, which can be found in every corner of the state. New park lands are added from time to time, as landowners make gifts of property to the state, and when municipalities choose to turn over control of their historical sites to the state. The state park system is divided into five administrative districts.
The parks and other entities are serviced by a statewide system of park rangers. The state park system also hosts an AmeriCorps chapter, called AmeriCorps Florida State Parks.
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 styled "Friends of {park name} State Park, Inc.") Most parks charge a very 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 at the following link;
Much more information about Florida State Parks can be found at The Official Florida Online Parks Guide at the following link:
The Official Florida Online Parks Guide