Division of Recreation and Parks
The first four-time winner of the Gold Medal honoring the nation's best state park system, the Florida Park Service is one of the largest in the country with 175 state parks, trails and historic sites spanning more than 815,000 acres and 101 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida's rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida's state parks offer year-round outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida's history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida's cultural heritage.
The goal of the Florida Park Service is to create a sense of place by showing park visitors the best of Florida's diverse natural and cultural sites. Florida's state parks are managed and preserved for enjoyment by this and future generations through providing appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to the Real FloridaSM. Learn more at FloridaStateParks.org.
Recreation and Parks Programs
Bureau of Design and Construction
Provides professional design, contract administration and construction management services for timely completion of Fixed Capital Outlay and Park Expense Design and Construction Projects.
Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources
Provides technical and professional services to preserve and manage the natural and cultural resources in Florida's state parks.
Florida Outdoor Recreation Inventory
A comprehensive inventory of the existing outdoor recreation resources and facilities in Florida.
Land Acquisition and Administration
Identifies, evaluates, and establishes priorities for the Division of Recreation and Parks’ land acquisition program.
Management Plans
DISTRICTWIDE MANAGEMENT PLANS The Florida Division of Recreation & Parks is administratively divided into five districts: Northwest (District 1), Northeast (District 2), Central (District 3), Southwest (District 4) and Southeast (District 5). The Office of Park Planning has developed an innovative approach to conservation land planning for Florida state parks – covering all units within a district
Office of Greenways and Trails
Provides statewide leadership and coordination to establish, expand and promote the Florida Greenways and Trails System.
Office of Park Planning
The Office of Park Planning provides a wide range of technical support and professional services beneficial to management of the Florida Park Service.
Park Mapping and Databases
The Mapping and Database Management Section maintains a well-organized, comprehensive repository of assets located in state parks.
Public Participation - Draft Unit Management Plans
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation & Parks Southwest Districts The Office of Park Planning has developed an innovative approach to land planning for Florida State Parks – covering all units within a district through a consolidated process. The first districtwide plan was developed for the Northeast District and was approved by the Acquisition & Restoration
SCORP: Outdoor Recreation in Florida
The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is the state’s official document regarding outdoor recreation planning.