Florida’s state parks are some of the most visited in the country—but they are being asked to handle more use than their current funding can support.

Parks like Fort De Soto Park (County ran), Hillsborough River State Park, and Lake Louisa State Park are showing clear signs of aging infrastructure, worn facilities, and delayed maintenance.

This is not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a growing financial risk. Deferred maintenance compounds over time, leading to significantly higher repair costs in the future and a decline in visitor experience today.

Florida’s parks support tourism, local economies, and provide essential outdoor spaces for families. Without proper investment, we risk losing the quality and accessibility that make them so valuable.

We are calling on state leadership and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to:

Establish dedicated funding for maintenance and infrastructure repairs

Prioritize preservation of existing parks before new development

Implement a long-term capital improvement plan

Ensure staffing and resources match current usage levels

Florida’s parks are assets—not liabilities.

 With proper investment now, we can avoid higher costs later and preserve these spaces for future generations.