Submitted by Shuck_A on August 26, 2019 - 11:41am

Our Lands. Our Legacy. I Recreation

Florida’s public lands include forests, open green spaces, scenic waterways and coastlines that offer a variety of outdoor experiences. When Florida Forever funding is appropriated by the Legislature, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection distributes the funds to numerous state agencies and programs to purchase public lands in the form of parks, trails, forests, wildlife management areas and more. These lands are held in trust for the residents of Florida.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida State Parks

Florida's 175 award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites provide room to hike, bike, paddle, camp, learn or just relax and enjoy the view.

Florida’s Aquatic Preserves and National Estuarine Research Reserves

Florida’s 41 aquatic preserves and three national estuarine research reserves protect prime swimming, fishing, boating and paddling destinations. Visitor centers at the research reserves offer a variety of hands-on experiences and interactive exhibits.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Wildlife Management Areas

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s diverse wildlife management area network provides recreation spaces for fishing, paddling, hunting, boating, bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Florida Forest Service

Florida State Forests

Florida has long been recognized as having one of the finest and most diversified state forest systems in the United States. Florida’s 37 state forests offer a variety of recreational options including camp sites and hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

Water Management Districts

With funds from the state’s Florida Forever program and through partnerships with state and local governments and nonprofit groups, water management districts purchase and manage tracts of land that protect our water resources, keeping the land in its natural state.