Tallahassee, Fla. — As Independence Day approaches, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service announced that additional Florida State Forest recreation areas are reopening as they move to an online, cash-free point-of-sale (POS) system.
“As we reopen additional Florida State Forest recreation areas, we encourage everyone to be cautious during COVID-19 and to take advantage of our state’s natural treasures responsibly,” said Commissioner Fried. “The online, cash-free sale system will help everyone safely enjoy all that our Florida State Forests have to offer, including trailheads, campsites, and off-highway vehicle areas.”
Dates you need to know:
- June 24: Annual Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) passes will be available for purchase. Passes are valid for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2020 and ends June 30, 2021.
- July 1: Day-use passes for recreation areas, including trailheads and OHV riding areas, will be available for purchase.
- July 10: Group campsites, picnic pavilions and group recreation areas will reopen with a capacity limit of 50 people.
“We look forward to transitioning Florida State Forest recreation sales to a digital platform,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “The online system not only streamlines the payment process for Floridians and visitors but reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19.”
To purchase passes or to make a campsite reservation, visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call (877) 879-3859. Quick Response (QR) codes will be posted in all Florida State Forest day-use areas as a convenient alternative payment option for visitors with smartphones. Cash will no longer be accepted for Florida State Forest recreation sales. Checks and money orders will be accepted for miscellaneous items that are not available for purchase online. Click here to find a Florida State Forest recreational area near you.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.
