Florida’s Great Outdoors Initiative for deeply discounted state parks passes, hunting and fishing licenses ends with record numbers sold

TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – Many more Floridians will be casting a line or hiking the trails after taking advantage of the half-off discounts offered by the state.

The three-month Great Outdoor Initiative provided 50% discounts on gold sportsman hunting and fishing licenses and annual state park passes.

The state first announced the incentive on October 14, 2023, to encourage residents to get outdoors and explore the Sunshine State’s natural resources by saving Florida families money.

The discount ended January 13, 2024, and the state reports it was the biggest discount ever provided for these licenses and passes in Florida history.

They say more than 75,000 gold sportsman licenses totaling $24 million and more than 55,000 state park passes totaling $2.86 million were sold during the initiative. More than 23,000 of the hunting and fishing licenses purchased were for first-time license holders.

The state says those hunting and fishing licenses sold through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) totaled $24 million in sales, representing an increase of over 400% compared to the 18,300 sportsman licenses sold during this same period last year.

And data from the state indicates the more than 55,000 annual state park passes sold through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) breaks down to nearly 15,000 individual passes and more than 40,000 family passes. The governor’s office says this is more than four times the number of annual passes sold during this same period last year.

“It’s our hope that everyone gets outside in the coming year and discovers firsthand what makes Florida so special,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton.

“Since October, over 75,000 people have taken advantage of the Great Outdoors Initiative by purchasing a license that will support conservation and provide an incredible opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful state to live in and recreate,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

Legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year allows Floridians the first chance or early access to reserve campsites. Starting January 1, 2024, Florida residents may now make campsite or cabin reservations up to 11 months in advance. Non-Florida residents can only make campsite or cabin reservations up to 10 months in advance. 

To find a state park near you, visit Florida State Parks website.

To find more information on fishing and hunting licenses in Florida, click here.