Park Passes, Hunting, Fishing Licenses Discounted

By PATRICK GILLESPIE
Editor,
Florida Specifier

Florida Great Outdoors Initiative

In mid-October, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the Florida Great Outdoors Initiative, which encourages Floridians to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty with 50 percent off Florida State Park passes and hunting and fishing licenses through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The discounts are available from Oct. 14 through Jan. 13, 2024 – a three-month period designed to boost outdoor activities. In an Executive Order, DeSantis stated that the Florida State Park System has a direct economic impact of $3.6 billion, supporting more than 50,000 jobs in the last fiscal year. He also noted that hunting and fishing have a celebrated history in Florida, including anglers’ and hunters’ contributions to conservation efforts and increased awareness of outdoor recreation.“

Florida is home to some of the best state parks, waterways and recreational lands in the country, and I encourage all Floridians to get outdoors, experience our extraordinary natural resources and enjoy our fundamental right to hunt and fish,” DeSantis said in a news release. “We are now making it more affordable for families to get outside and enjoy these wonders by offering state park passes and fishing and hunting licenses at sharply discounted rates.”

More information about the Great Outdoors Initiative can be found on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website. State park annual passes for families and individuals are offeredat a 50 percent discount through Jan. 13. FWC is offering its annual resident Gold Sportsman’s license, a 5-year Gold Sportsman’s license, and a Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s license at 50 percent off. The Lifetime Sportsman’s license will be discounted by more than $250. Licenses have different costs, based on age and type of license.

An added bonus for anglers is that FWC will also exempt individuals from needing fishing licenses within Florida state parks during the three-month period, according to the website.“

Florida remains one of the country’s top destinations for world-class fishing and unique hunting opportunities,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “I encourage families to take advantage of this incredible offer with a discounted license and enjoy the abundant hunting and fishing recreational opportunities our state offers.”

Florida is the only four-time winner of the Gold Medal honoring the nation’s best park system. The state boasts 175 parks, trails and historic sites spanning nearly 800,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy beaches. Parks offer springs, beaches, nature trails, rivers, historic sites, and many recreation activities.“

Governor DeSantis’ promotion of conservative resource stewardship is unparalleled,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “It is because of this leadership that we can get outside and still experience the real Florida firsthand. I encourage all Floridians to get outdoors and take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Park and License Discounts

Florida State Parks Annual Passes will have a 50% discount and will be available at the following rates:

Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World, and FWC offers freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses for experiencing the best of coastal and inland fishing options, along with unique hunting opportunities.The following FWC Gold Sportsman licenses, which include the saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, hunting privileges and all associated permits, will also be discounted by 50% and will be available at the following rates, plus applicable fees: