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.
- Aquatic Preserves
- Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
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 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.
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Sign UpThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.
Learn MoreTallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov 850-245-2118
