Florida State Parks has announced the opening of its annual Capture the Real Florida photo contest for the 2025 summer season. The contest encourages nature enthusiasts and photographers to explore and document the diverse natural beauty found within Florida’s state parks.
Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks, expressed his admiration for past submissions, stating, “With each photo contest, I am amazed by the beauty and variety of Florida’s natural spaces. I invite photographers of all levels to explore and capture the Real Florida, from springs to swamps to beaches. We look forward to seeing this year’s stunning submissions.”
The competition is open to visitors of any Florida State Park. Entries are accepted from July 1 through September 1, 2025. Participants can submit their photos via the contest website and are allowed one submission per category, with a maximum of five entries.
In honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s founding, a new category called Historic Encounters has been added. This category aims to highlight those who have contributed to shaping Florida’s communities and preserving its historical narratives.
The categories for submission include Landscapes, Waterscapes, Park Adventures, Wildlife, and Historic Encounters. Winners in each category will be chosen by a blue-ribbon panel and awarded a B&H Photo gift card along with a Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass. Additionally, they will receive a promotional package featuring a stand-up paddleboard branded with the Florida State Parks logo.
A People’s Choice Award will also be given in each category based on public voting. Winners in this segment will receive a promotional package from Florida State Parks. Detailed rules and submission guidelines can be found on the official photo contest website.
