TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Families looking for an affordable way to celebrate Independence Day can enjoy Florida’s award-winning state parks free of charge during the July Fourth holiday weekend.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), day-use admission fees will be waived at most Florida State Parks on Friday, July 3, Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, as part of Florida’s participation in the nationwide America 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The three-day promotion gives residents and visitors an opportunity to experience many of Florida’s 175 state parks, which offer hiking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping, historic sites, and some of the state’s most scenic natural landscapes.
“While every July 4th is special, we recognize this Independence Day is a significant moment in our nation’s history,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “I invite all Floridians, their friends and their family to our state parks to enjoy the outdoors, make new memories and support our treasured public lands.”
The admission waiver applies only to standard day-use entrance fees. Regular fees will still apply for camping, cabins, guided tours, equipment rentals, concessions, and other special activities.
The following parks are not included in the free admission promotion:
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Separately, Adventures Unbound™ by Guest Services announced it is joining the America 250 celebration at its 13 Florida Sunshine Collection locations by offering a limited-edition line of America 250® commemorative merchandise. Visitors will find special hats, T-shirts, pins, and other collectibles available while supplies last.
The Adventures Unbound Sunshine Collection includes Blue Spring State Park, Crystal River State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, Hontoon Island State Park, Oleta River State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, Rock Springs Guest Ranch, St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island, and Wekiwa Springs State Park, along with Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which will offer commemorative merchandise despite not participating in the state’s free admission program.
For Central Florida residents, nearby participating parks include Lake Kissimmee State Park, Blue Spring State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, and Wekiwa Springs State Park, making the holiday weekend an ideal opportunity to experience Florida’s natural beauty at no admission cost.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as many of Florida’s most popular parks are expected to experience increased attendance throughout the Independence Day holiday weekend.
