Florida State Park Fees Increase
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Updated: 11:21 PM Jul 3, 2009
Florida State Park Fees Increase
If you're planning to visit a Florida State Park, be prepared to pay more. In an effort to keep from shutting down some of the sites, park fees went up July 1st.
Posted: 11:21 PM Jul 3, 2009
Reporter: Whitney Ray

Florida State Parks Fee Increases
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If you're planning to visit a Florida State Park, be prepared to pay more. In an effort to keep from shutting down some of the sites, park fees went up July 1st.

As NewsChannel 7’s Whitney Ray tells us, the price is up, but that hasn't changed the plans of thousands of Floridians who will hike, swim, and camp at Florida’s 160 state parks this weekend.

The Laudermilch family is visiting 10 state parks over the holiday weekend.

"You get to see what nature is really like,” said Von Laudermilch. “The kids become interested in nature and preserving it and seeing what God has created for us."

And at Wakulla Springs State Park, there's plenty to see.

"If you look to you're left you'll see an alligator."

Jeffery Laudermilch is touring Wakulla Springs and he tells NewsChannel 7, "Seeing all the wildlife, in general is pretty fun."

Viewing Florida’s natural beauty at the state's hottest sites just got more expensive.

The price of admissions at Florida’s state parks is up. Entry per car increased between one and three dollars depending on the park. Camping will cost an extra four bucks.

"Even though the price has gone up, you wouldn't know it by the crowd here at Wakulla Springs."

Jennifer Darnell paid $6 to bring three kids to the park.

"Six dollars is a bargain when it keeps them occupied,” said Darnell. “I can stay out here for hours with them and it keeps them busy."

The increase will help the state park system keep all of its sites open.

"During this year's legislative session we had a few budget cutting exercises,” said Florida Park Service, Jessica Kemper. “One of them included the temporary closure of 19 state parks.”

Last year 20 million people visited Florida’s state parks. The price hike isn't expected to curb attendance.

Fore more information about the Fees, visit the link below.


Latest Comments

Posted by: Oscar Location: Palm Harbor on Apr 1, 2010 at 10:05 AM

Last year in April I purchased the Annual Pass for $80.00. This year went to renew the cost for the Annual Pass is $120.00. This is a 50% increase. What is the state doing trying to discourage folks from visiting State Parks. I can understand a moderate increase but in these Though economic times a 50% increase is off base.
Posted by: PW Location: Panama city on Sep 24, 2009 at 09:49 PM

I agree with WC. We use the annual pass to fish at night and love to take my son with me. It makes no since to raise the rate of an annual pass by 60% and then decrease the ability to use it at night and buy a $25 pass for after hours use. The annual pass for me is actually a increase of $70. I will NOT be renewing my annual pass and will not be paying $8 a trip either.
Posted by: Jack Location: Homosassa on Jul 5, 2009 at 02:14 PM

As a boat driver at the Homosassa Wildlife Park I see many different visitors from all over the world. For the State to take away the ability for senior citizens to use the park on a daily basis for exercise and social interaction seems opposite of what the mission of the park should be. Take away the inxpensive yearly pass and these tax paying seniors will not have a place to go. How incensitive to the welfare of the elderly has the state become? Those of you who are making this arbitrary decision should be reassigned to some less meaningful position that requires no understanding of people and their needs. If this repeal of the Park pass is allowed to happen then anyone over 65 should be admitted free.
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