Manatees at Blue Springs State Park/Adobe Stock
One of the ways the state of Florida supports foster families is with a free Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass each year, granting free access to many of Florida’s state parks and trails!
Here are the details: With the free Family Annual Entrance Pass, the pass holder can bring up to eight people in a group into more than 170 state parks and trails free of charge; at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs state parks, the pass holder and one other person may enter free of charge. This special pass also grants the pass holder and up to seven other people a 33% discount on admission into the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and affects day-use entrance fees only. It does not cover added charges that may apply to museum visits, boat ramps, tours, special events, boat rides, concession rentals/purchases or campsite/cabin fees.
To receive this free Family Annual Entrance Pass, eligible foster families will need to present two items of documentation at a staffed ranger station or museum:
- Personal ID, such as a Florida driver license or state ID; and
- A current Certificate of License authorizing you to operate a Level I-V foster family home, issued by the Florida Department of Children & Families
The free pass cannot be ordered online; it is always a good idea to call ahead to ensure a ranger station or museum will be open during your trip to issue your pass. Click here for information about the program and a list of eligibility documents required for the passes to be sold/issued. Click here for a list of staffed ranger stations to find one near you.
You can find more information about the Annual Pass Fees & Discounts here. Plan your perfect trip with information about Florida’s State Parks and Trails at floridastateparks.org.
Not yet a licensed foster parent? Family Support Services can help! Click here to get started on your fostering journey.
