Great Outdoors Initiative

Man fishing on beach

On Oct. 13, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-209 (Great Outdoors Initiative) to encourage outdoor recreational participation by providing economic incentives for Florida residents. With this initiative, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are offering steep financial discounts to Florida families for their respective outdoors services. 

Starting Oct. 14, 2023, and operating until Jan. 13, 2024, DEP is directed to temporarily offer Florida State Parks annual passes for families and individuals at a 50% discount, while FWC will temporarily be offering its annual resident Gold Sportsman’s license, 5-year Gold Sportsman’s license, and Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s license at 50% reductions. 

FWC will also exempt individuals from needing fishing licenses within Florida state parks during this nearly three-month period.

Ranger welcoming visitors

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

  • Family Annual Pass - $60, plus tax.
  • Individual Annual Pass - $30, plus tax.

The following FWC Gold Sportsman licenses, which include the saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, and hunting privileges and all associated permits, will also be discounted by 50% and will be available at the following rates, plus applicable fees:

  • Annual Gold Sportsman - $50.75.
  • 5-year Gold Sportsman - $247.75.
  • Lifetime Sportsman’s License 
    • Age 4 or younger - $201.50.
    • Ages 5-12 - $351.50.
    • Ages 13 and older - $501.50.

How to Purchase Annual Entrance Passes

Purchase at a Park

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums during regular business hours, 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass.

To expedite the process, visit Reserve.FloridaStateParks in advance and create an account. If you have made a camping reservation with Florida State Parks in the last year, you already have an account.

To find a park near you, visit: www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails.

Purchase Online

Shop online at Reserve.FloridaStateParks for annual entrance passes. All online orders will be charged a $6 convenience fee plus a $10 shipping fee per annual entrance pass purchased. Delivery times vary depending on shipping method. Please note, you will have to login or create an account in order to purchase a pass online.

How to Purchase Fishing and Hunting Licenses

To find more information on fishing and hunting licenses in Florida, visit: myfwc.com/license/recreational/ and to purchase a license, visit: License.GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.