Florida State Parks will offer free day-use admission during Memorial Day weekend from May 23 to 25, giving visitors access to beaches, springs, trails and historic sites across the state ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The free entry initiative applies to most Florida State Parks and is designed to encourage residents and travelers to enjoy the outdoors while honoring members of the U.S. military who died in service. Overnight accommodation fees, concessions and special event charges will still apply.
Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said: “As visitors enjoy the holiday weekend, Memorial Day is also a time to pause and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.”
She added: “Florida State Parks offer meaningful places to connect with the history and natural beauty that define our state.”
Florida’s state park system protects a wide range of natural and cultural attractions, including crystal-clear springs, rivers, beaches, hiking trails and wildlife habitats.
Visitors can take part in outdoor activities such as paddling, fishing, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing in parks across the state during the long holiday weekend.
The parks also preserve historic landmarks tied to Florida’s role in American history, including forts, battlefields, archaeological sites and heritage landscapes.
Officials said the free admission applies only to day-use entry. The offer excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
All other fees, including overnight stays, rentals and vendor-operated services, will remain in effect during the promotion.
