Florida State Parks
Encyclopedia
The Florida State Parks encompass the majority of the lands that fall under the authority of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
. There are 160 such entities, including nature reserve
s, recreation area
s, and historic site
s, which can be found in every corner of the state. New park lands are added from time to time, as landowners make gifts of property to the state, and when municipalities choose to turn over control of their historical sites to the state. The state park system is divided into five administrative districts.
The parks and other entities are serviced by a statewide system of park rangers. The state park system also hosts an AmeriCorps
chapter, called AmeriCorps Florida State Parks
.
Several of the state parks were formerly private tourist attraction
s which were bought by the state of Florida to preserve their natural environment. These parks include the Silver River State Park
, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
, Rainbow Springs State Park
and Weeki Wachee Springs
.
Reserve America.
Much more information about Florida State Parks can be found at The Official Florida Online Parks Guide at the following link:
The Official Florida Online Parks Guide
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the Florida government agency charged with environmental protection.-History:...
. There are 160 such entities, including nature reserve
Nature reserve
A nature reserve is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research...
s, recreation area
Recreation area
A recreation area is a type of protected area designated in some jurisdictions. In the United States, National Recreation Areas are administered by several different agencies. They typically do not meet the strict guidelines to become national parks. In U.S...
s, and historic site
Historic site
A historic site is an official location where pieces of political, military or social history have been preserved. Historic sites are usually protected by law, and many have recognized with the official national historic site status...
s, which can be found in every corner of the state. New park lands are added from time to time, as landowners make gifts of property to the state, and when municipalities choose to turn over control of their historical sites to the state. The state park system is divided into five administrative districts.
The parks and other entities are serviced by a statewide system of park rangers. The state park system also hosts an AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is a U.S. federal government program that was created under President Bill Clinton by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 and later expanded by 50 percent under President George W. Bush...
chapter, called AmeriCorps Florida State Parks
AmeriCorps Florida State Parks
AmeriCorps Florida State Parks is an AmeriCorps program hosted by Florida State Parks that began operating in 1997. Members earn an educational award by performing a minimal of 1700 service hours within the program....
.
Several of the state parks were formerly private tourist attraction
Tourist attraction
A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities....
s which were bought by the state of Florida to preserve their natural environment. These parks include the Silver River State Park
Silver River State Park
Silver River State Park is a nearly 5,000 acre Florida State Park east of Ocala. Adjacent to Silver Springs and the Ocklawaha River, the park is a mile south of State Road 40 on State Road 35 .-Ecology:...
, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located near Homosassa Springs, Florida in the United States. The park is one of the best places in the state to view manatees, some of which are treated at the park before being released into the wild. Visitors can get close to the animals on a floating...
, Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park is a Florida State Park located on U.S. 41, three miles north of Dunnellon, Florida. It comprises upland and submerged. The most significant natural feature is the first magnitude headspring basin which produces up to of fresh water per day, forming The Rainbow River...
and Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs is a natural tourist attraction located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, where underwater performances by "mermaids", women dressed with fins about their legs as well as other fancy outfits, can be viewed in an aquarium-like setting in the spring of the Weeki Wachee River...
.
Among the Best Anywhere
Florida State Parks are supported by tax dollars (document stamps), user fees and to a much smaller extent charitable contributions (many state parks have an associated local 501(c)(3) corporation, often styled "Friends of {park name} State Park, Inc.") Most parks charge a very small entrance fee. Residents can purchase an annual entrance pass that is valid at any of the parks. Camping is available in many of the parks in well maintained and managed campgrounds. Camping fees are very reasonable. All reservations are handled through Reserve America at the following link;Reserve America.
Much more information about Florida State Parks can be found at The Official Florida Online Parks Guide at the following link:
The Official Florida Online Parks Guide