DeSantis announces free admission to all state parks on Memorial Day weekend

NAPLES, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced free admission to all of Florida’s state parks during Memorial Day weekend 2024.

“You have places here like Collier Seminole State Park, Lovers Key, north of here, all of the entrance fees waived on those and all other state parks,” he said during a press conference in Naples.

Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the state parks, completely free, from May 26-28.

“We’ve been awarded four gold medals from the National Parks and Recreation Association, and that’s more than any other state has been awarded,” DeSantis said.

The governor pointed out how the state has promoted other outdoor activities, including Florida’s Freedom Summer, making several outdoor and recreational activities completely tax free.

“Since 2019, we’ve invested more than $440 million in our state parks,” he added. “Because we want to ensure that Florida families are able to enjoy them now and in the future.”

He also reported that he will be signing an additional $15 million for the parks in the state’s upcoming fiscal budget.

“I’m proud that we have the best beaches, I’m proud that we have the best boating, I’m proud that we have the best fishing, I’m proud that we have the best state parks,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez emphasized the importance of the state promoting outdoors activities and creating economic incentives for its residents.

“One of the great things about being Florida’s lieutenant governor is that I’m able to travel across every corner of the state, meet people from all walks of life, and really get a sense of what the real Florida is,” she said.

“I do encourage Floridians to take advantage, to go outdoors, to visit a state park, they are a gem, they are a resource that we have,” the lieutenant governor said. “And really, I think spending time with family is so important.”

Shawn Hamilton, secretary of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, thanked the governor for his work on helping conserve the state’s natural resources, while providing an opportunity for Floridians to experience the outdoors.

“I can’t think of a better way to connect this current generation and future generations to that important vision than getting out into the real Florida,” he said.

DeSantis signed several tax holidays into law during the past fiscal year and is expected to sign more in the upcoming one.