WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, Florida officials are offering a simple option: head outside and skip the entry fee.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is waiving day-use admission fees at Florida State Parks from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence.
It’s a chance for Floridians and visitors alike to enjoy everything the park system has to offer, from beaches and springs to forests and wetlands. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, paddling, camping, or spotting wildlife, there are options for just about everyone looking to spend time outdoors.
January 28, 2026 — A mot her manatee named Stripes, once found in critical condition with fishing line embedded in her flippers, was successfully released back into the wild at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park alongside her surviving calf, Argyle, after months of rescue, medical treatment, and rehabilitation by the Dolphin Research Center, SeaWorld Orlando, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (Dolphin Research Center)
“While every July 4th is special, we recognize this Independence Day is a significant moment in our nation’s history,” DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said.
I invite all Floridians, their friends and their family to our state parks to enjoy the outdoors, make new memories and support our treasured public lands.”
Florida’s state parks are a major draw each year. The FDEP said it welcomed more than 28 million visitors last fiscal year and generated an estimated $3.6 billion in economic impact statewide. Beyond recreation, the parks also highlight Florida’s cultural history, with sites that include historic forts, battlefields, and archaeological landmarks.
The state’s park system has also earned national recognition, including being the only four-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, according to the department.
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The fee waiver applies only to day-use admission, and visitors should know that some parks are not included:
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State ParkSkyway Fishing Pier State ParkWeeki Wachee Springs State Park
Other costs, including camping, rentals, concessions, and special event fees, will still apply.
Florida is home to 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, covering more than 815,000 acres, according to FDEP. The system includes 101 miles of beaches and more than 3,000 miles of multi-use trails, offering plenty of options for visitors planning a holiday weekend trip.
Officials recommend planning ahead, as the holiday and historic milestone are expected to bring large crowds.
More information and trip planning details are available at FloridaStateParks.org.