The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the launch of its 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative. This initiative aims to expand public access, increase outdoor activities, and provide new lodging options across Florida's state parks. The effort underscores the state's commitment to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy, and enhancing the quality of life for Floridians.
The Florida Park Service, established in 1935 to support tourism and manage historic sites and conservation lands, continues to lead in public land stewardship. In Fiscal Year 2022-23, Florida’s 175 state parks attracted nearly 30 million visitors, contributing an annual economic impact of $3.6 billion and supporting over 50,000 jobs. The broader outdoor recreation economy in Florida generated over $52 billion in economic output and supported more than 460,000 jobs in 2022—a notable increase from the previous year.
Under Governor Ron DeSantis' leadership, Florida has significantly increased its investment in conserving natural landscapes by acquiring over 260,000 acres within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This acquisition represents nearly 20% of the total acreage currently part of the Florida State Park System.
The initiative will not only increase campsites, cabins, and lodges but also expand outdoor recreation opportunities such as pickleball, disc golf, golf, and paddling at state parks.
Since 2019, Florida has invested over $400 million to support park infrastructure operations and maintenance. Through this initiative, DEP plans to update state park plans to allow for increased public access while maintaining best practices used by DEP and other park systems nationwide. These improvements aim to be welcoming and reflective of Florida’s heritage while fitting within surrounding landscapes.
Today's announcement highlights the DeSantis Administration’s ongoing support for conserving natural landscapes and ensuring that every Floridian can visit and enjoy state parks. This includes past initiatives like offering discounts on annual passes for state parks through the Great Outdoors Initiative for 2023-24 and providing free entry during events like Florida’s Freedom Summer Kickoff on Memorial Day.