FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 30, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP Launches New Florida Park Service Website

~New website redesigned to educate visitors about natural resources
and help plan trips to state parks~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the redesign of the Florida State Parks website. The new website promotes the Florida Park Service, providing visitors with detailed information about all 175 state parks, trails and historic sites. The enhanced site improves user experience with its mobile responsiveness and robust site search tool, and it features more photos and a TripTuner, making it easier for visitors to plan their trips to state parks. The Florida Park Service is dedicated to providing accessibility and outstanding customer service to all visitors, ensuring they have a memorable experience.

Governor Rick Scott said, "Florida is home to the best state parks in the nation. I am proud to celebrate the many successes of our state parks including record achievements in resource management and the opening of our 175th state park, Gilchrist Blue Springs. Our award-winning state park service not only provides world-class recreation for Florida's residents and visitors, but also protects our natural treasures for generations to come."

"We’re so excited for the launch of the new Florida State Parks website and how well it interprets what our parks staff do every day to manage our state’s natural resources,” said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. "Our award-winning state parks provide many unique recreational and educational opportunities for all who visit. By creating this new platform, DEP is dedicated to providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind park experience.”

In partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, the new Florida State Parks website features tools and information that will be helpful to the state's visitors. With a TripTuner, visitors can now plan their state park experience online based on their preferences. On the new website, visitors will also find ways to get involved in state parks through volunteering, and stories from park rangers, staff and volunteers. With tourism as the No. 1 industry in the state of Florida, having these new resources to showcase visitor opportunities in the Real Florida will help support the industry. 

"Tourism is Florida's No. 1 economic driver, and we are fortunate to be home to the best state park system in the nation," said Ken Lawson, CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. "As our state's visitation numbers continue to increase, we are excited to partner with DEP and showcase Florida’s award-winning state parks and attract even more visitors from around the world to enjoy our state’s natural beauty and wonder."

The website also features a new marketing logo for Florida State Parks. The new logo features the Florida panther, which symbolizes the Florida Park Service’s role in protection and conservation, while representing the wild, Real Florida found within Florida State Parks.

“FloridaStateParks.org is a place where people can learn about Florida’s special places and prized properties," said Eric Draper, Director of Florida State Parks. "This new design recognizes state park transformative experiences, which in Florida can be as different as swimming in a first magnitude spring or walking on one of the world’s best beaches. People make our parks, and this new website features our great park staff, volunteers and friends.”

Plan a trip around one of the many events hosted throughout the state at Florida State Parks throughout the year. 

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

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