Message from Our Director

Warm weather and long, sunny days are here to stay now that June has arrived.

School is out and there’s more time to spend outside with your friends and family.

It just so happens that June is Great Outdoors Month, and Florida state parks offer many opportunities for getting outside to enjoy nature. If you want to catch some rays or look for seashells, check out Dr. Beach’s top spot for best beach in 2023, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. If you prefer to stargaze, a visit to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, which holds the Dark Sky Designation, is sure to please. No matter your interests, Florida state parks have something for you.  

Freedom Summer, the state of Florida’s tax-free holiday, is in full swing and runs through Labor Day. You can take advantage of tax-free day use admission to state parks as well as tax-free individual and family annual entrance passes. This is a great time to buy the pass if you’ve been thinking about it. They make great gifts as well.  

Do you enjoy taking pictures? This month, we kick off our annual photo contest. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a spontaneous cellphone picture-taker, our photo contest has a spot for you. If you have a favorite park or if you want to explore a new one, take time to capture your visit in visual form and submit it for a chance to win!  

The contest is open through July 30, and winners in three divisions will be announced in October. With more than 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and 2,200 miles of multiuse trails in the state park system, consider this a personal invitation to showcase your artistic skills. 

Let’s get out there and enjoy June’s golden sunshine and fresh air, take a few pictures and make a lot of lasting memories. 

See you in the parks,

Chuck Hatcher, Director

Florida State Parks