On November 11, 2026, Florida State Parks will provide free admission to all visitors in observance of Veterans Day. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourages individuals to reflect on the contributions of military service members as the nation celebrates 250 years of independence.
DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert stated that visiting state parks with historical ties is a meaningful way to honor those who served. The free admission applies to day-use only and excludes certain parks.
Press Release: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Published November 9, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Free Admission on Veterans Day for All at Florida State Parks
Fort Clinch State Park
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: This Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, Florida State Parks will offer free admission to all visitors. This year, while America celebrates 250 years as an independent nation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites Floridians and visitors to reflect on the path of freedom and remember the dedicated service of the men, women and their families who guided us to 250 years of liberty.
“Veterans Day this year is especially poignant in that we celebrate a major milestone in the history of our nation,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “It’s fitting to remember those whose service carried forward the banner of freedom. Visiting a state park with historical ties is a meaningful way to learn about and honor these brave men and women.”
Many state parks have historical ties to military service, having once served as strategic outposts and training grounds. These sites now stand as places for remembrance and education, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the settings and key figures of the stories that shaped our history. Notable examples include:
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, in Alachua County, where a frontier trading post facilitated commerce between Native Americans and British settlers.
- San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, in Wakulla County, where control of the fort shifted during periods of British rule.
- Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, Amelia Island State Park and Fort Clinch State Park, in Nassau County, which were connected to small military conflicts and border tensions with the neighboring colony of Georgia.
- Avalon State Park, in St. Lucie County, the site of a World War II training camp used to develop the frogmen who would later become the U.S. Navy SEALs.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, in Monroe County, which played an important role in both the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.
In addition to free admission on Veterans Day, Florida State Parks show their appreciation for those who serve by offering year-round benefits to honor the commitment and sacrifice of service members and their families, including:
- A 25% discount on annual entrance passes for active-duty and honorably discharged veterans.
- Free lifetime military entrance passes for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as for surviving spouses and parents of those who died in combat.
Please note: Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees, including those for overnight accommodations, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.
To learn more about how Florida State Parks honor and appreciate veterans, visit FloridaStateParks.org/learn/Florida-State-Parks-Appreciate-Veterans.To learn more about Florida’s role in America’s 250th anniversary, visit America250FL.com.