3—1 

Chapter 3 - Outdoor Recreation 

Providers, Programs and Partnerships 

and providing public access to the large, resource-based recreation areas and facilities. 

Most state-level funding for recreation has 

gone to the acquisition and development of 

state parks, forests, wildlife management 

areas, water management lands and historic 

sites, as well as state-assisted resourcebased parks within cities and counties. This 

policy will remain substantially unchanged in 

the foreseeable future so long as high quality natural and historical resources can be 

acquired and developed in those areas of 

the state where an identified recreational 

need for them exists. At the same time, 

however, it is clearly recognized that useroriented recreational needs must also be 

met, and that financial assistance programs 

for acquisition and development of recreation areas and facilities for user-oriented recreation are vital to meeting those needs. 

County and municipal governments are the 

primary suppliers of the public facilities 

needed for user-oriented recreation, although some also provide areas and facilities to meet part of the need for resourcebased outdoor recreation. As urbanization 

and population growth continue in Florida, 

local governments will face increasing pressure to assume a greater role in providing 

both user-oriented and resource-based 

types of recreation. 

Private recreation providers are a vital component of the state’s outdoor recreation supply. 

Commercial providers meet a significant portion of the overall demand for both resourcebased and user-oriented outdoor recreation in 

Florida, particularly tourist-generated demand. 

For example, commercial providers supply 

Outdoor Recreation Providers 

In response to an ever-growing and everchanging public demand, a variety of outdoor recreation programs have developed in 

Florida through the years. Although both 

private and public efforts have served this 

demand, most of the formal outdoor recreation programs have been instituted by various levels of government. Both state and 

federal agencies have been extensively involved, and practically every county and municipality in Florida conducts some outdoor 

recreation programs of its own. Many of 

these diverse programs have evolved more 

out of expediency than by careful design. 

As a result, there has been much duplication 

and overlap. Fortunately, however, most of 

the legitimate outdoor recreation needs in 

the state have been met in some fashion by 

concerted efforts to coordinate these governmental programs. 

Florida’s outdoor recreation providers can be 

classified into five categories: federal government, state government, county government, municipal government and private 

sector providers. Both federal and state 

agencies are concerned with areas and facilities designed to accommodate the demand for resource-based outdoor recreation. The federal government provides various types of outdoor recreation areas of national significance, while the state provides 

areas and facilities of statewide or regional 

significance. Historically, the state and federal governments have not become involved 

in the direct provision of user-oriented resources and facilities. This has been dictated largely by funding constraints and by 

the early recognition that the federal and 

state governments had to assume the primary responsibility for locating, acquiring 
3—2 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

dressed. Further information concerning the 

programs described in this chapter should 

be obtained directly from the agency. 

Federal Programs 

The federal government has responsibility 

for developing recreational facilities and programs that provide public opportunities that 

are not, or cannot, be made available by 

state or local government. Federal roles in 

outdoor recreation are broad in scope and 

run the gamut from dredging waterways, 

lock and levee construction and maintenance, endangered species protection and 

habitat preservation, and providing crucial 

funds for many programs through federal 

grants. Federal agencies coordinate and 

cooperate on resource protection efforts 

such as protecting wilderness areas, designating wild and scenic rivers, and implementing trail connectivity projects that require inter-jurisdictional management. The 

core mission of most of the federal agencies, 

with the exception of the National Park Service, is not recreation per se. However, by 

the nature of their settings - the national forests, wildlife refuges, military installations, 

dams and locks, waterways and estuaries of 

the state - these vast tracts of federal land 

are key locations for outdoor recreation and 

play a vital role in the state’s outdoor recreation supply. 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

National Park Service 

The National Park Service (NPS) has the 

specific mission to conserve the scenery and 

natural resources of national parks and provide a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Besides active land management for outdoor recreation, the federal 

agencies administer financial and technical 

more than 90 percent of the campsites in the 

state and meet a considerable portion of the 

overall demand for camping facilities by residents and visitors. 

Non-profit organizations include private and 

quasi-public organizations such as the 

scouts, church groups and conservation organizations. These groups provide land and 

facilities primarily for the use of the members, but in some cases for the public at 

large. 

Clubs and other organizations not certified 

as non-profit by the Florida Department of 

State (DOS), such as hunt clubs, country 

clubs, yacht clubs and others, manage lands 

and facilities that are primarily available only 

to organization members and their guests. 

In doing so, they can relieve some of the 

pressure that is often placed on overcrowded public facilities. In addition, private 

industry lands (timber companies and other 

industries with extensive land holdings 

whose lands or portions thereof are open to 

the public) are used for resource-based recreation, although some forms of useroriented facilities are also available. In recent years, however, many such areas have 

been withdrawn from use by the general 

public, particularly for hunting, and are now 

available only to leaseholders or others who 

have access to the lands. 

Outdoor Recreation Programs 

This section describes the specific programs 

of the various categories of public and 

private recreation suppliers discussed in the 

previous section. Although the public 

agencies discussed in this section may have 

other responsibilities, only those related to 

outdoor recreation opportunities are ad-
3—3 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.1 

Source: National Atlas of the United States 
3—4 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

• Maintaining the National Register of 

Historic Places pursuant to the National 

Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 

United States Code 470). 

• Designating significant properties or 

assistance programs to aid state and local 

agencies and private citizens. 

In Florida, NPS’s mission includes: 

• Managing 11 areas comprising more than 

2.6 million acres of submerged and 

upland areas set aside for their natural or 

historic interest (see Figure 3.1). 

• Administering the federal Land and Water 

Conservation Fund program, which 

provided more than $22 million to local 

governments between 2001 and 2007 to 

fund 134 park acquisition and 

development projects. These funds are 

awarded to meet recreation needs 

identified through an open selection 

process described in Appendix E. 

Biscayne National Park, Monroe County 

The National Park Service 

Organic Act August 25, 

1916: 

“...to conserve the scenery and the 

natural and historic objects and the 

wildlife therein and to provide for 

the enjoyment of the same in such 

manner and such means as will 

leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” 
3—5 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

surveys, planning activities and 

community education. These programs 

are administered in Florida by the Division 

of Historic Resources (DHR) within DOS. 

• Administering the Federal Lands-to-Parks 

Program, which enables states and local 

governments to establish park and 

recreation areas on federal properties 

which are no longer needed for military or 

civilian uses by conveying lands for that 

purpose. 

• Coordinating the Rivers and Trails 

Conservation Assistance Program by 

providing planning assistance to 

communities for projects that are 

designed to protect rivers, trails and 

greenways on lands outside of the federal 

domain. 

landmarks of national historical or 

archaeological interest, as defined in the 

Historic Sites Act of 1936 (16 United 

States Code 461), including districts, 

sites, buildings, structures and objects of 

state and regional significance. 

• Partnering with other federal agencies as 

well as state and local government 

programs designed to achieve national 

goals such as clean air, protection of 

wilderness areas, clean water and access 

to waterways and coastal areas under the 

National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and 

the Water Resources Development Act. 

• Providing matching grants through the 

Historic Preservation Grants-in-Aid 

Program, an expansion of the National 

Historic Preservation Act of 1966, to 

government, private groups and 

individuals for historic preservation 

Figure 3.2 

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
3—6 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

tional Scenic Trail is further discussed under 

the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on page 3-9. 

National Historic Trails commemorate historic and prehistoric routes of travel that are 

significant to the nation. Throughout the 

United States, there are 12 National Historic 

Trails made up of 26,430 miles of designated trails. These trails provide user experiences through a series of interpretive 

facilities along trails and signed automobile 

routes. There are currently no National Historic Trails in Florida. 

National Recreation Trails provide outdoor 

recreation opportunities in a variety of urban, 

rural and remote settings. A total of 26 trails 

including more than 500 miles of land-based 

trails and 1,700 miles of paddling trails have 

been designated in Florida (see Figure 3.3). 

These trails are managed by federal, state, 

county and municipal agencies and run the 

spectrum from urban jogging and bicycling 

in St. Petersburg to wilderness canoeing in 

the Everglades. 

National Trail System

The National Trail System Act of 1968 

(Public Law 90-543), authorized creation of 

a national trail system comprised of National 

Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails and 

National Historic Trails. While National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails may 

only be designated by congressional act, 

National Recreation Trails may be designated by the Secretary of the Interior or the 

Secretary of Agriculture to recognize exemplary trails of local and regional significance, 

upon application from the trail managing 

agency or organization. When designated, 

these trails are recognized as part of the National Trail System. 

In order to be certified as a National Scenic 

Trail, a trail must contain outstanding recreation opportunities and encompass more than 

100 miles of a continuous, primarily nonmotorized trail. Eight National Scenic Trails 

have been designated across the nation. A 

total of 1,400 miles of hiking trails across 

Florida were designated as the Florida National Scenic Trail in 1983. The Florida NaFlorida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail 
3—7 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.3 

 

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Environmental 

 Protection 
3—8 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Act), Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration 

(commonly referred to as the PittmanRobertson Act) and Wildlife Partnership 

Act (conservation of non-game species). 

These grant programs are managed in 

Florida by the Florida Fish and Wildlife 

Conservation Commission. Grants to 

Florida under the Clean Vessel Act (clean 

boating programs) are managed by the 

Clean Marina Program in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s 

Office of External Affairs. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture 

U.S. Forest Service 

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) provides 

leadership in the management, protection 

and use of the nation's forests and rangelands. The agency is dedicated to multipleuse management of these lands for sustained yields of renewable resources such 

as wood, water, forage, wildlife and recreation to meet the diverse needs of people. 

The responsibility of USFS in the field of outdoor recreation is to fully develop the recreational potential of national forests and protect landscape aesthetics. USFS also cooperates with other federal, state and local 

agencies in planning and developing recreational resources on other federal, state, local 

and private lands. 

 

In Florida, USFS administers three national 

forests: the Apalachicola, the Ocala and the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service (USFWS), an agency within the U.S. 

Department of the Interior, is to conserve, 

protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants 

and their habitats for the continuing benefit 

of the American people. This mission is accomplished by enforcing federal wildlife 

laws, protecting endangered species, managing migratory birds, restoring nationally 

significant fisheries and conserving and restoring wildlife habitat including wetlands. 

USFWS also distributes hundreds of millions 

of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and 

hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife 

agencies across the nation. The activities of 

USFWS in Florida include: 

• Management of 28 national wildlife 

refuges, comprising nearly one million 

acres of land and water (see Figure 3.1). 

Most of the refuges are limited-purpose 

outdoor recreation areas that provide bird 

watching, wildlife observation, fishing, 

environmental education and 

interpretation and at some refuges, public 

hunting. In addition, the Service 

manages a national fish hatchery in 

Welaka and maintains law enforcement 

facilities at six locations. 

• Administration of federal aid programs, 

including Federal Aid in Sport Fish 

Restoration (commonly referred to as the 

Dingell-Johnson Act and Wallop-Breaux 

 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service 

Mission: “Provide the Federal leadership to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their 

habitats for the continuing benefit 

of people.” 

 

U.S. Forest Service 

Mission: “To sustain the 

health, diversity, and productivity of 

the Nation’s forests and grasslands 

to meet the needs of present and 

future generations.” 
3—9 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

ida National Scenic Trail, designated by 

Congress in 1983, extends from the Big Cypress National Preserve north to the Gulf 

Islands National Seashore in the Florida 

Panhandle. Along the way, the Florida trail 

passes through lands managed by more 

than two dozen public land managing agencies in more than 40 separate management 

units. USFS acts as a partner with state 

land management agencies and private 

landowners to obtain through-trail access for 

the project. The non-profit Florida Trail Association, Inc., through its volunteer membership of hiker-volunteers, provides nearly 

70,000 hours of manpower each year to 

build and maintain the trail (see Figure 3.3). 

Osceola (see Figure 3.1). Together these 

areas contain approximately 1.2 million 

acres of land and water, thus making a major contribution to the state's recreational resources. They contain some of Florida's 

most pristine lands including extensive 

woodlands, springs and streams. Within the 

national forests, USFS manages numerous 

designated public recreation sites. Some of 

the sites are managed exclusively for dispersed recreational purposes, such as hiking, hunting, fishing and primitive camping. 

Florida National Scenic Trail

USFS is the federal administering agency for 

the Florida National Scenic Trail. The FlorFlorida National Scenic Trail 
3—10 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Florida is divided into two USACE districts. 

The Mobile District manages recreation sites 

at the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam on Lake 

Seminole, a 37,500-acre impoundment in 

southern Georgia and Jackson County, Florida. Excellent opportunities for camping, 

hiking, fishing, hunting and boating are available. 

The Jacksonville District manages Lake 

Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway in southern Florida. Not only does this 

managed area provide extensive outdoor 

recreation opportunities, but its series of 

locks and canals provides a cross-Florida 

waterway that is popular among pleasure 

boaters and connects the Atlantic Ocean 

and the Gulf of Mexico via the lake and the 

Caloosahatchee River. 

 

In partnership with the South Florida Water 

Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other 

federal, state, local and tribal agencies, the 

USACE is planning the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), one of 

the world’s largest wetland restoration projects. The project covers 16 counties and 

over 18,000 square miles. The Plan was 

approved by Congress in the Water ReU.S. Department of Defense 

The U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) 

includes the Departments of the Army, Navy 

and Air Force. Each provides outdoor recreation opportunities in Florida. USDOD has 

17 military installations in Florida that make 

lands available for recreational purposes. 

Although public outdoor recreation is not a 

primary function of USDOD, its contributions 

in this regard are nevertheless important to 

Florida's overall outdoor recreation program. 

Generally, all military installations offer some 

degree of outdoor recreation programs for 

military personnel, dependents and their 

guests. However, access to their resources 

for recreational use by the general public is 

usually limited. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Along with its primary responsibilities for 

navigation, flood control, environmental restoration and beach erosion control, the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has 

made considerable efforts to provide recreational facilities. It is the policy of USACE to 

plan for and provide outdoor recreation resources and facilities at all of its water resources projects. 

USACE’s general authority for recreational 

development stems from the Flood Control 

Act of 1944, which was later expanded by 

the Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 

1965 (16 United States Code 460). The latter act directs that each project give full consideration to opportunities for outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement, 

and it establishes outdoor recreation and 

preservation of wildlife and fish as a full project purpose. 

 

U.S. Army, Corps of 

Engineers 

“The U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers Natural Resource Management Mission is to manage and 

conserve those natural resources, 

consistent with ecosystem management principles, while providing 

quality public outdoor recreation experiences, to serve the needs of 

present and future generations.” 
3—11 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

gram provides funds to the states to develop 

and maintain recreational trails and trailrelated facilities for both non-motorized and 

motorized trail uses. The Office of Greenways and Trails in the Florida Department of 

Environmental Protection administers the 

financial assistance program in coordination 

with the FHWA. 

The Transportation Enhancement Program 

provides funding for improvements that are 

not provided as part of the features routinely 

provided in transportation projects. Enhancements such as bicycle and pedestrian 

facilities, preservation and conversion of 

abandoned railroad corridors to trails, landscaping and other scenic beautification projects have been provided in Florida through 

this program. Since 2001, a total of $315 

million in enhancement funds have been apportioned to Florida through the program. 

sources Development Act of 2000, which 

was reauthorized by Congress in November 

2007. It includes more than 60 elements 

and will require more than 30 years to construct at an estimated cost of $10.9 billion. 

The CERP Master Recreation Plan will provide guidance to assist recreation planning 

within CERP project fee title lands, and will 

help provide recreation opportunities that are 

compatible with the restoration purposes of 

the project. 

U.S. Department of 

Transportation 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within 

the U.S. Department of Transportation provides grants to state and local governments 

for various recreational trail projects, including bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and scenic highways. The Recreational Trails ProIndian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway, Brevard County 
3—12 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

logical research program containing extensive teacher training, education, research 

and monitoring. Findings are communicated 

to coastal managers and other decision 

makers, as well as local citizens. Florida 

contains three of these reserves: Apalachicola, Guana Tolomato Matanzas and Rookery Bay. 

National Marine Sanctuaries

The National Marine Sanctuary Program 

designates and manages areas of the marine environment with special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archaeological, educational or aesthetic qualities. The Florida Keys National 

Marine Sanctuary, one of 13 in the National 

Marine Sanctuaries System, covers 3,668 

square miles and encompasses part of the 

most extensive living coral reef system in the 

nation. 

National Coastal Zone Management 

Program

The National Coastal Zone Management 

Program fosters an effective partnership 

among federal, state and local governments. 

By leveraging federal and state matching 

funds, the program strengthens the capabilities of each partner to address coastal issues while giving states the flexibility to design a program that accommodates their 

unique coastal challenges. 

The Florida Coastal Management program 

is administered by the Florida Department of 

Environmental Protection’s Office of Intergovernmental Programs. The state program 

serves as the lead coordinator with eight 

other state agencies and five water management districts in enforcing 23 statutes and 

The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes roads having outstanding scenic, 

historic, cultural, natural, recreational and 

archaeological qualities by designating them 

as National Scenic Byways, All-American 

Roads, America’s Byways or State Scenic 

Byways. Grants and technical assistance 

are provided to the states to implement projects on designated byways, and to plan, 

design and develop a state scenic byway 

program. The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), in cooperation with FHWA, 

is the administering agency for the Florida 

Scenic Highway Program. 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric 

Administration 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific and technical organization that works to preserve and 

enhance the nation’s coastal resources and 

ecosystems. Its mission is to provide products, services and information that promote 

safe navigation, support coastal communities, sustain marine ecosystems and mitigate coastal hazards. The National Ocean 

Service provides assistance to Florida in observing, understanding and managing 

coastal and marine resources. Florida is an 

active partner in several programs that directly affect resource protection in Florida's 

coastal areas. 

National Estuarine Research Reserves

The National Estuarine Research Reserve 

System is a network of estuarine areas 

across the nation established for long-term 

stewardship, research and education. Each 

reserve has developed an organized eco-
3—13 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, St. Johns County 

implementing several coastal zone management programs in cooperation with NOAA. 

The program works to protect coastal resources, build and maintain vital communities, enhance coastal access, protect remarkable places and revitalize working waterfronts. 

In 2002, the National Coastal Zone program 

initiated the Coastal and Estuarine Land 

Conservation Program. The program is 

aimed at protecting important coastal and 

estuarine areas that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical or 

aesthetic values and that are threatened by 

conversion from their natural or recreational 

state to other uses. The Florida Coastal 

Management Program manages this grant 

program, which provides up to $3 million for 

each eligible project. 

State Programs 

The State of Florida's responsibilities for providing public recreation are fulfilled through a 

variety of facilities and programs, each 

unique to the mission of nine separate entities. 

Florida Department of 

Environmental Protection 

The Florida Department of 

Environmental Protection 

(DEP) is charged with the protection, administration, management, supervision, development and conservation of Florida's natural 

and cultural resources. This broad mandate 

is accomplished by direct acquisition and 

management of public outdoor recreation 

and conservation areas, as well as through 

major initiatives and agency priorities which 

contribute to a healthy ecosystem. DEP’s 
3—14 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

functions include protecting and conserving 

Florida’s water supply and its quality, protecting springs and oceans, restoring America’s Everglades, acquiring, conserving and 

managing conservation and recreation 

lands, enforcing environmental laws and 

regulations, investing in cleaner sources of 

energy and protecting the health of Florida’s 

communities. 

Division of Recreation and Parks 

DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks 

(DRP) develops and operates Florida's state 

park system for the benefit and enjoyment of 

Florida’s citizens and visitors. The state 

park system contains many of the best remaining examples of Florida’s original domain and cultural heritage. Units in the state 

park system are classified for management 

according to the natural and cultural resources they contain and the desired balance between resource preservation and 

public use (see Unit Classification System in 

Appendix B). 

As of July 2007, the system consisted of 161 

areas, comprising almost 700,000 acres of 

land and water. It contained 51 state parks, 

35 state recreation areas, 29 special feature 

sites, 26 preserves, six museums, four ornamental gardens, two reserves, two fishing 

piers, one wildlife park and five sites that are 

not designated (see Figure 3.5 and Table 

3.1). Between 2000 and 2007, nearly 

184,000 acres of land and water were added 

to the state park system under the classifications identified above. 

 

Division of Recreation and 

Parks 

 

Mission: “To provide resourcebased recreation while preserving, 

interpreting and restoring natural 

and cultural resources.” 

Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County 
3—15 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Besides providing hundreds of thousands of 

acres for public recreational use, the state 

park system is the largest steward of public 

historic properties in the state. More than 83 

parks contain significant historic resources, 

including almost 300 historic structures and 

more than 1,500 archaeological sites. 

These resources provide a broad array of 

unique interpretive and educational opportunities for residents and visitors. In addition 

to administering Florida’s state park system, 

DRP also administers the Florida Recreation 

Development Assistance Program and the 

federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program provides financial assistance 

to eligible local governments, including the 

67 county general governments and 412 incorporated municipalities of Florida. Pursuant to Section 375.075, Florida Statutes, and 

Chapter 62D-5, Part V, Florida Administrative Code, DEP recommends to the Legislature each year that an appropriation of not 

less than five percent of the total amount 

credited annually to the Land Acquisition 

Trust Fund be authorized for the program. 

Since 2001, the program has also received 

two percent of the bond proceeds made 

available through the Florida Forever program. Funding from the program is awarded 

on a competitive basis that considers the 

total project costs and the economic status 

of the applicants among other evaluation 

criteria. 

Since 2000, 1,397 projects totaling $189.2 

million have been awarded under the program for the acquisition, development and 

renovation of recreation projects throughout 

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Figure 3.4 
3—16 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.5 

 

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
3—17 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Table 3.1 
3—18 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

the state (Figure 3.4). These projects 

ranged from small, local land acquisition projects to projects of regional significance encompassing hundreds of acres. Facility development ranged from single-purpose facilities providing such amenities as beach access, picnicking and ball fields, to large, 

multi-activity parks. 

Office of Greenways and Trails 

The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) 

provides statewide leadership and coordination to establish, expand and promote greenways and recreational trails in Florida. Established in 1993 to manage the Marjorie 

Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, OGT’s 

programs have expanded to include management and administration of the Florida 

Greenways and Trails System through designation of lands and waterways, planning 

assistance and public information. OGT 

also administers the Recreational Trails Program and provides funding for land acquisition and trail development. OGT’s activities 

are governed by the Florida Greenways and 

Trails Act (Chapter 260, Florida Statutes). 

 

OGT administers a program for formally designating public and private lands and water 

ways as part of the Florida Greenways and 

Trails System. The designation program 

 

Office of Greenways and 

Trails 

Mission: “Working to establish a 

statewide system of greenways and 

trails for recreation, conservation 

and alternative transportation purposes.” 

Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Collier County 
3—19 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

helps to ensure an inclusive and interconnected system of greenways and trails by 

encouraging partnerships in conservation, 

development and management of system 

components, providing recognition for system components and raising public awareness of the conservation and recreation 

benefits of the system. As part of this responsibility, “visioning maps” are prepared 

through collaboration with local governments 

and trails advocates to display preferred 

routes for future trails and greenways, 

known as “opportunity corridors.” The maps 

also define the statewide vision for a connected system of trails and determine eligibility for funding to purchase land. Visioning 

maps that include multi-use trails, hiking 

trails and paddling trails are contained in Appendix I. 

In addition to administering the Florida 

Greenways and Trails System, OGT provides direct management of key system 

components. These include the Marjorie 

Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and 

eight multi-use, long-distance state trails. In 

total, OGT manages 1,305 miles of trails and 

62,462 acres. 

OGT administers a land acquisition program 

that is funded through annual allocations 

from the Florida Forever program. Acquisition proposals originate with local entities 

and are evaluated by OGT. No local matching funds are required. Title to properties 

acquired through this program is retained by 

the State of Florida, and the properties are 

subleased to local managing entities for trail 

development, operation and maintenance. 

 

Figure 3.6 

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
3—20 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.7 

 

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory 
3—21 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

 

Office of Coastal and 

Aquatic Managed Areas 

Mission: “To protect Florida's 

coastal and aquatic resources.”

Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, Collier County 

OGT also administers the Recreational 

Trails Program, a federally funded, competitive grant program that provides financial 

assistance to approved local entities. The 

program provides reimbursement for the development and maintenance of recreational 

trails and related facilities, both nonmotorized and motorized. 

Office of Coastal and Aquatic 

Managed Areas 

The Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed 

Areas (CAMA) is the principal manager of 

submerged lands and their associated marine and aquatic resources in Florida. The 

Florida Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975 

(Chapter 258, Part II, Florida Statutes), authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Internal 

Improvement Trust Fund to maintain state 

owned submerged lands with exceptional 

biological, aesthetic and scientific value as 

aquatic preserves. These areas offer prime 

opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, 

paddling and other water-related types of 

recreation. CAMA manages Florida’s 41 

aquatic preserves, including 37 saltwater 

and four freshwater systems, encompassing 

more than 1.8 million acres of sovereign 

submerged lands of the state (see Figure 

3.8). In cooperation with NOAA, CAMA 

manages approximately 430,000 acres of 

submerged land and coastal uplands in 

three national estuarine research reserves: 

Apalachicola, Guana Tolomato Matanzas 

and Rookery Bay. In addition, CAMA partners with NOAA and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage 

the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 

The sanctuary contains 3,668 square miles 

of submerged lands around the 126-mile 

long Florida Keys, and encompasses the 

most extensive living coral reef system in the 

nation. 

Through the Southeast Florida Coral Reef 

Initiative and the Coral Reef Conservation 

Program, CAMA supports Florida’s membership in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and 

the U.S. All Islands Committee. These programs coordinate research and monitoring, 

develop management strategies, and promote partnerships to protect the coral reefs, 

hard bottom communities and associated 

reef resources of southeast Florida. 
3—22 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.8 

 

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Marine Research Institute 
3—23 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Florida Communities Trust, to preserve and 

restore working waterfronts and provide public access to Florida’s waters. In addition to 

these new programs, greater emphasis was 

placed on providing public access to conservation lands, increasing accountability of 

public land management, protecting listed 

plant and animal species, and addressing 

climate change. 

Division of Water Resource 

Management 

The Division of Water Resource Management (DWRM) is responsible for protecting 

the quality of Florida’s drinking water as well 

as its rivers, lakes and wetlands, and for reclaiming lands after they have been mined 

for phosphate and other minerals. Its programs establish the technical basis for setting the state’s surface water and ground 

water quality standards, which are critical to 

maintaining the viability of water resources 

for public outdoor recreational use. By 

2025, Floridians are expected to use about 

two billion gallons more fresh water each 

day. The Water Protection and Sustainability Program, created in 2005, has the task of 

increasing available water supplies, including alternative water supplies, and promoting efficient water use and conservation to 

meet existing and future water supply 

needs. DEP’s annual 

report, Tapping New 

Sources: Meeting 

2025 Water Supply 

Needs, describes the 

highlights and accomplishments of this new 

program. 

Division of State Lands 

Since 1972, Florida has invested approximately $6.8 billion through successive land 

acquisition programs to conserve approximately 3.7 million acres of land for environmental preservation, conservation and outdoor recreation purposes. The Division of 

State Lands (DSL) administers these land 

acquisition programs on behalf of the Board 

of Trustees of the Internal Improvement 

Trust Fund and DEP. DSL also provides 

administrative oversight for approximately 

11 million acres of state owned lands, including 700 freshwater springs, 4,510 islands of ten acres or more and 7,000 lakes. 

DSL administers the Florida Forever program, which was created by the 1999 Florida Legislature as the successor program to 

the Florida Preservation 2000 program established in 1990. Under Florida Forever,

$300 million in funds have been available 

each year to support a variety of land acquisition purposes, including the preservation of 

environmental, conservation, and water 

management lands and to provide grants to 

local governments. Since Florida Forever’s

inception, 601,000 acres of land and water 

have been acquired, reflecting an investment of more than $2.6 billion. 

In 2008, Florida Forever was extended for 

another decade by the Florida Legislature. 

As part of the program’s re-authorization, 

several important changes were made to the 

original program that was established in 

1999. Two new land acquisition programs 

were created. The Rural and Family Lands 

Protection Act was established in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the acquisition of agricultural lands 

through perpetual easements and other 

less-than-fee techniques. The Stan Mayfield 

Working Waterfronts Program was created 

in the Department of Community Affairs, 
3—24 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Division of Law Enforcement 

Florida Park Police

DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) is 

the primary law enforcement agency responsible for the protection of visitors to state 

parks, greenways and trails, and aquatic 

preserves. DLE also plays an important role 

in investigating environmental crimes of all 

types and is a leading agency in bringing 

cases to judicial resolution. 

Office of Sustainable Initiatives 

Clean Marina Program

In 1992, Congress enacted the Clean Vessel Act, which established a federal grant 

program administered by USFWS to reduce 

pollution from vessel sewage discharges. 

Funding comes from the Sport Fishing Restoration Program account made up of revenues from excise taxes on fishing equipment, boats and motorboat fuels. The Clean 

Marina Program is a cooperative effort by 

the Office of Sustainable Initiatives, the Marine Industries Association of Florida, Florida 

Sea Grant Program, International Marina 

Institute, U.S. Coast Guard and public and 

private marinas throughout the state. Clean 

boater programs educate recreational boaters, marinas, boat yards and marine retailers 

about pollution control and enhance recreational boating through brochures and workshops that emphasize protecting aquatic resources. 

Bureau of Beaches and Coastal 

Systems

Coastal protection and restoration are vital in 

preserving one of Florida’s most valuable 

natural resources - its 825 miles of sandy 

shoreline fronting the Atlantic Ocean, the 

Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. As 

of 2007, more than 192 miles of beach have 

been restored as a result of the Beach Erosion Control Program, working in concert 

with other agencies and local governments 

to protect, preserve and restore coastal 

sandy beaches. Financial assistance in an 

amount up to 50 percent of project costs is 

available to county and municipal governments, community development districts and 

special taxing districts for shore protection 

and preservation. In addition to beach restoration and renourishment, funds are also 

available for construction of dune walkovers 

and parking facilities for public access. 

Through 2006, more than $582 million has 

been appropriated by the Florida Legislature 

for beach erosion control activities and hurricane damage recovery. 

Bureau of Mine Reclamation

DWRM’s Mine Reclamation Program regulates surface mine reclamation through a 

review and monitoring process. Originally 

established in the late 1980s to regulate, restore and reclaim phosphate-mined land, the 

program has evolved into a habitat and wildlife management program. Today, the program is responsible for managing 23 stateowned parcels along the Peace and Alafia 

Rivers and in the Green Swamp to implement long-term management activities 

needed for protection of the these greenways, wildlife corridors and riparian buffers. 

 

Division of Law Enforcement 

 

Mission: “Dedicated to excellence in public and environmental 

protection.” 
3—25 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Water Management Districts 

Section 373.1391(1)(a), Florida 

Statutes: 

“Whenever practicable, such lands 

shall be open to the general public 

for recreational uses. General public 

recreational purposes shall include, 

but not be limited to, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, swimming, 

camping, hiking, canoeing, boating, 

diving, birding, sailing, jogging, and 

other related outdoor activities to 

the maximum extent possible considering the environmental sensitivity and suitability of those lands...” 

Water Management Districts 

The Office of Water Policy in DEP addresses statewide water management issues in coordination with Florida’s water 

management districts and other agencies. 

Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, created five 

water management districts for the purpose 

of managing and conserving the state’s water resources. The five districts were organized around major drainage basins in the 

state: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, 

St. Johns River, Southwest Florida and 

South Florida. Land acquisition is one of the 

districts’ primary tools for carrying out their 

mission of flood control, water storage and 

management, water resource development, 

and preservation of wetlands, streams and 

lakes. 

The districts play a key role in providing public outdoor recreation opportunities on lands 

under their ownership. The water management districts acquire land through funding 

from Florida Forever and other sources. 

Under Florida Forever, 30 percent of the 

program’s annual funding of $300 million is 

allocated for this purpose. This amount is 

divided among the five districts according to 

a population-based formula established in 

Section 373.59(8), Florida Statutes. The 

districts are required to make their lands 

available for compatible public outdoor recreation uses whenever practicable. Numerous public access sites and recreational facilities have been developed on district 

owned lands throughout the state in cooperation with other state agencies, the federal 

government, counties, municipalities and the 

private sector. Examples of the recreational 

Suwannee River 
3—26 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.9 

 

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
3—27 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

federal funds for the preservation, restoration and enhancement of Florida’s sport fishing resources, including boating access facilities, from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish 

Restoration (commonly referred to as the 

Dingell-Johnson Act and Wallop-Breaux Act) 

program. It also receives funds for the protection of endangered species from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (commonly 

referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Act) 

Trust Fund. These programs are administered at the federal level by USFWS, which 

provide grants and technical assistance to 

the states. 

Division of Habitat and Species 

Conservation 

This unit is responsible for the Wildlife Management Area system, which includes 154 

opportunities provided on district lands include hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing, primitive camping 

and wildlife viewing. 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission (FWCC) was established by a 

1998 amendment to the Florida Constitution 

that consolidated the responsibility for conserving the state’s freshwater and saltwater 

aquatic life and wildlife into a single agency. 

FWCC operates under a mission of managing fish and wildlife for the long-term wellbeing and benefit of the people. 

FWCC is composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, for staggered terms of 

five years. FWCC exercises regulatory and 

executive powers of the State over marine 

life and is charged with exercising all the 

non-judicial powers of the state with respect 

to wild animals, freshwater aquatic life and 

marine life. Central to FWCC’s role in outdoor recreation is the management of hunting and fishing areas. FWCC receives 

Florida Fish and Wildlife 

Conservation Commission 

Mission: “Managing fish and 

wildlife resources for their longterm well-being and the benefit of 

people.”

Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail 
3—28 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

quires large, well-managed acreages for a 

healthy game population--is becoming more 

difficult to provide. 

Mitigation parks are areas ranging in size 

from 350 to 2,000 acres that have been selected by FWCC for purchase with funds collected through mitigation to protect and enhance important wildlife habitat. Examples 

of outdoor recreational activities available at 

selected mitigation parks include hiking, biking, wildlife watching, canoeing and kayaking. 

In 2001, Congress created the State Wildlife 

Grants Program and required each state to 

develop a comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy in order to continue receiving 

federal wildlife grants. FWCC created Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative in 2004 to 

serve the agency’s long-term commitment to 

conserve native wildlife. The initiative crafts 

a statewide vision for the future of wildlife in 

Florida, in coordination with other state, federal and local agencies, universities, conservation organizations, recreation groups, 

tracts totaling approximately 5.8 million 

acres in public and private ownership (see 

Figure 3.11). These tracts include wildlife 

management areas and wildlife environmental areas. Wildlife management areas 

are established for the management of wildlife or freshwater fish on which hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation activities 

may be permitted. Wildlife environmental 

areas are endangered or environmentally 

unique habitats with a primary management 

objective of protection and conservation of 

the resources. 

Florida has one of the nation’s largest systems of state-managed wildlife lands. 

FWCC is the lead manager of 40 areas that 

cover 1.4 million acres and is a co-manager 

of 114 areas that cover an additional 4.4 million acres. Often, FWCC's cooperating 

agreements are short-term arrangements, 

particularly on private lands. As a result, the 

amount of hunting land available to the public on these areas fluctuates from year to 

year. As Florida’s population continues to 

grow and spread into undeveloped areas of 

the state, land for hunting--a sport that reGroup of Manatees 
3—29 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Division of Law Enforcement 

FWCC’s Division of Law Enforcement officers provide protection to residents and visitors who enjoy Florida’s natural resources, 

and enforce resource protection and boating 

safety regulations in the state’s woods and 

waters. The Boating, Waterways and Field 

Services (BWFS) section is responsible for 

educating boaters about boating safety, ensuring boat ramp and pier access, installing 

and maintaining waterway signage, and 

identifying derelict vessels. 

BWFS section administers several grant 

programs, including the Florida Boating Improvement Program, the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program and the Derelict Vessel 

Removal Grant Program. The Federal Aid 

to Sport Fishing Restoration Program 

(commonly referred to as the DingellJohnson Act and Wallop-Breaux Act) is a 

"user pays, user benefits" program that is 

aimed at improving sport fishing and boating 

opportunities. Federal funds are collected 

from taxes on fishing tackle, motor fuels and 

import duties on tackle and yachts. The 

money is returned to appropriate state agencies for research, management, education 

and facility development related to sport fishbusinesses and the public. Species range 

from those which are common throughout 

the southeastern United States to some 

which are virtually unknown elsewhere in the 

country, such as the Florida panther, the 

Florida manatee and the Florida scrub jay. 

The initiative supports various forms of outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, 

bird watching and nature study. 

Division of Freshwater Fisheries 

Management 

The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management (DFFM) provides expertise on 

freshwater fish populations, angler use and 

other aspects of freshwater fisheries to ensure high quality fishing in Florida lakes, rivers and streams. DFFM provides the public 

with information on freshwater fisheries 

management issues, fishing opportunities, 

aquatic education and outreach, and other 

matters aimed at promoting responsible lifelong participation in sport fishing. Additionally, freshwater fish production facilities provide a dependable supply of the specific 

size, quantity and quality of freshwater fish 

to meet specific freshwater fisheries management objectives. 

Hardee Lakes Park, Hardee County 
3—30 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Figure 3.10 

The Great Florida Birding Trail is a collection 

of 445 sites throughout the state selected for 

their excellent bird watching or bird education opportunities. The 2,000-mile, selfguided highway trail is designed to conserve 

and enhance Florida’s bird habitat by promoting bird watching activities, conservation 

education and economic opportunities. The 

trail combines special highway signs identifying designated sites with a map showcasing Florida’s birding opportunities. When 

fully completed, the Trail will consist of a series of loops, each containing five to 10 sites 

that highlight natural communities and special ecosystems. 

FWCC also manages the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail, an open-water route that 

traverses the coastal forests, salt marshes 

and seagrass beds between the Ochlockonee River and Tarpon Springs. The 105-

mile trail is managed as part of the Big Bend 

Wildlife Management Area. 

ing. As a result of these programs, 200 

grants around the state, totaling more than 

$21 million, have been provided for constructing boat ramps and related access facilities (see Figure 3.10). 

Office of Recreation Services 

The Office of Recreation Services (ORS) 

provides opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in wildlife viewing-focused 

activities on wildlife management and other 

areas. Recreational improvements provided 

by ORS include user access facilities such 

as trails, interpretive facilities, observation 

structures, camping areas, boat ramps and 

facilities for recreational shooting. ORS 

manages the Great Florida Birding Trail in 

cooperation with state, regional and local 

governments and non-profit groups statewide and assists local communities in developing wildlife-viewing opportunities and promoting nature-based tourism. 
3—31 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.11 

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory 
3—32 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Table 3.2 
3—33 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

use, collectively referred to as off-highway 

vehicles. It also requires DOF to recommend appropriate locations for additional 

public access for off-highway vehicle recreational use, working in cooperation with the 

nine-member Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Advisory Committee. Since the law was 

enacted, two new areas have been designated for off-highway vehicle use, Tate’s 

Hell State Forest in Franklin County and 

Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County 

(managed by Suwannee River Water Management District) and several new sites are 

currently being developed. 

Besides directly providing resources and 

facilities for outdoor recreation, DOF assists 

private landowners in developing forest 

management plans that often include a recFlorida Department of Agriculture and 

Consumer Services 

Division of Forestry 

The Division of Forestry (DOF) is a major 

contributor to Florida’s total outdoor recreation supply. The primary outdoor recreation 

objective is to maximize compatible recreational use of state forest lands. Florida’s 

state forest system consists of 34 areas totaling more than 924,000 acres, most of 

which provide abundant opportunities for 

many popular outdoor recreation activities 

(see Figure 3.12). Resource-based recreation opportunities offered by DOF include 

camping, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, off-highway vehicle use, fishing, paddling and nature study. Hunting is 

allowed on most properties managed by 

DOF, and is administered in cooperation 

with FWCC as part of that agency's wildlife 

management program. 

DOF is also responsible for administering 

the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Program established by the T. Mark Schmidt 

Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation 

Act (Chapter 261, Florida Statutes) in 2002. 

The Act provides a set of guidelines for providing and maintaining state lands for offhighway motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle 

 

Division of Forestry 

Mission: “The mission of the Division of Forestry is to protect Florida 

and its people from the dangers of 

wildland fire and manage the forest 

resources through a stewardship 

ethic to assure they are available 

for future generations.” 

Blackwater River State Forest, Santa Rosa County 
3—34 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Figure 3.12 

 

Source: Florida Natural Areas Inventory 
3—35 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

reation component. At the landowner’s request, DOF will assess the land's potential 

for hunting, fishing, wildlife management, 

water access facilities, camping and related 

activities. DOF may also assist landowners 

in designing facilities such as campgrounds, 

boat ramps and hiking trails to make the 

land available for recreational purposes. 

Florida Department of 

State 

Office of Cultural and 

Historical Programs 

The Office of Cultural and Historical Programs (OCHP) is the state agency responsible for preserving and promoting the historical, archaeological, museum, arts and folk 

culture resources in Florida. Within OCHP, 

the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is 

the primary agency for directing historic 

preservation. The director of DHR serves as 

the State Historic Preservation Officer providing a liaison with the national historic 

preservation programs conducted by NPS. 

The Bureau of Historic Preservation conducts historic preservation programs aimed 

at identifying, evaluating, preserving and interpreting the historic and cultural resources 

of the state. The bureau contains four sections with important responsibilities for historic resource management. 

The Compliance Review Section administers the Florida Master Site File and reviews 

federal or state undertakings that may affect 

historical or cultural resources. The Preservation Services Section oversees the Architectural Preservation Services Program, the 

Main Street Program, and the Grants-in-Aid 

Program. The Survey and Registration Section oversees the National Register/National 

Historic Landmark Program. The Public 

Outreach Section directs the Publications, 

Historical Markers, and Florida Folklife Programs. 

Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, directs DHR 

to cooperate with state and federal agencies, local government, private organizations 

and individuals to conduct a comprehensive 

statewide survey of historic resources and to 

develop a statewide historic preservation 

plan. The primary purpose of the state’s historic preservation plan is to guide the implementation of sound planning procedures for 

the location, identification, and protection of 

the state’s archaeological and historical resources.

Florida Department of Community 

Affairs 

The Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) offers technical and financial assistance to local governments in a wide 

range of functional areas. As the state planning agency, DCA is charged with coordinating state-level review of local government 

comprehensive plans and comprehensive 

regional policy plans required by Chapters 

163 and 186, Florida Statutes. DCA has 

also assisted local governments and regional agencies on resource management 

and protection matters through its involvement in resource planning and management 

committees established by the Governor in 

 

Department of Community 

Affairs 

Mission Statement: "We will meet 

the needs of Floridians by investing 

in communities and working with 

them to plan and manage growth." 
3—36 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

accordance with Chapter 380, Florida Statutes. 

Florida Communities Trust 

The Florida Communities Trust (FCT), established in 1989 to help local governments 

preserve parks, open space, beaches and 

natural areas, has created more livable communities throughout Florida. Matching and 

full grants for conservation and recreation 

land acquisition projects are provided to 

communities, as well as to non-profit environmental organizations, through an annual 

competitive application process. FCT receives 21 percent of annual proceeds from 

Florida Forever, totaling approximately $63 

million. 

As of October 2007, more than 77,000 acres 

were acquired through the program. FCT 

has provided nearly $667 million of the $1.2 

billion spent to acquire these lands, while 

local government partners have provided 

matching funds in excess of $560 million 

(see Figure 3.13). 

Waterfronts Florida Partnership 

Program 

The Waterfronts Florida Partnership Program was originally established by DCA in 

1997. In 2005, the program received statutory authorization to be administered in coordination with DEP and NOAA under Chapter 

342, Florida Statutes. The program helps 

communities revitalize and promote interest 

in their waterfront districts by providing technical assistance, support, training and financial assistance. Waterfront revitalization 

Figure 3.13 

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
3—37 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

structs and maintains rest areas for public 

use and provides opportunities for waterbased recreation on causeways and 

bridges. Additionally, DOT administers the 

State Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, the 

Florida Scenic Highway Program and the 

Transportation Enhancement Program. 

Pedestrian and Bicycle Program 

DOT developed the State Pedestrian and 

Bicycle Program in Florida as a means of 

promoting alternative transportation modes 

and recreational bicycling in Florida. DOT 

develops initiatives and programs to improve 

the environment for safe, comfortable and 

convenient walking and bicycling trips and to 

improve the performance and interaction 

among motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. 

As part of this program, the state pedestrian 

and bicycle coordinator and district pedestrian and bicycle coordinators in each of 

DOT’s seven field operations regions work 

with municipal pedestrian and bicycle coordinators to develop and update design, 

maintenance and operation guidelines for all 

state, municipal and local bicycle facilities. 

Florida Scenic Highway Program 

The Florida Scenic Highway Program is a 

grass-roots effort to showcase and heighten 

awareness of Florida’s intrinsic resources - 

may target environmental resource protection, public access, retention of viable traditional waterfront economies and hazard mitigation. Since 1997, a total of 21 communities have received designation as Waterfronts Florida Partnership communities. In 

2005, five new communities were designated for the 2005-2007 cycle: Bradenton 

Beach, Bagdad Village, Fort Walton Beach, 

Port St. Joe and Fernandina Beach. 

Rural Land Stewardship Area 

Program 

In 2001, the Legislature established the Rural Land Stewardship Area Program under 

Section 163.3177(11)(d), Florida Statutes, to 

recognize and further rural land sustainability. The program provides that counties may 

designate rural land stewardship areas on 

lands classified in the future land use element as being predominantly agricultural, 

rural, open or a substantively equivalent land 

use. Responding to the conversion of 2.8 

million acres of farm land to non-agricultural 

uses between 1974 and 2002, the program 

is intended as a local, incentive-based process that uses innovative land use planning 

to protect agricultural and natural resources 

in rural Florida. 

Florida Department of Transportation 

In providing for the state's transportation 

needs, Florida Department of Transportation 

(DOT), under Chapter 334, Florida Statutes, 

gives consideration to the preservation and 

enhancement of the environment and the 

conservation of natural resources, including 

scenic, historic and recreational assets. 

Florida's highway system affords a vast 

number of scenic recreational opportunities, 

but perhaps its most significant contribution 

to outdoor recreation is providing access to 

Florida's recreation resources. DOT conDepartment of Transportation 

Mission: “The Department will provide a safe transportation system 

that ensures the mobility of people 

and goods, enhances economic 

prosperity and preserves the quality 

of our environment and communities.” 
3—38 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

based recreation areas detached from the 

main campus for use by students, alumni 

and in some instances, the general public. 

These areas provide opportunities for both 

active and passive outdoor recreation activities, such as golfing, swimming, canoeing, 

hiking, camping, nature study and picnicking. 

Special Districts 

Chapter 189, Florida Statutes, also known 

as the Uniform Special District Accountability 

Act of 1989, addresses the operation of special districts in Florida. Over 1,600 special 

districts exist statewide, providing infrastructure and services in a wide range of areas 

including fire control, libraries, ports and 

inlets, mosquito control, water control, community development, roads and hospitals. In 

some cases, special districts play an expanded role in providing outdoor recreation 

opportunities, conservation and resource 

management services. 

Navigation districts in the state play a particularly important role in outdoor recreation. 

The Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) 

cultural, historical, archaeological, recreational, natural and scenic - which collectively 

enhance the overall traveling experience. 

Designated highways tell a story that is representative of Florida's past and present lifestyles. Participation in the program is voluntary and benefits the communities along the 

routes in matters such as resource enhancement and protection. Proposed projects are 

reviewed based on criteria established by 

FHWA. Each designated corridor is managed by a corridor management entity made 

up of interested citizens. As of July 2007, 

there were 15 designated scenic highways 

in Florida. 

State University System of Florida 

The State University System of Florida consists of 11 institutions that serve 293,000 

students and contain almost 14,000 acres of 

land. Each university has an approved master plan that addresses the issue of outdoor 

recreation space. Recreational facilities 

maintained by each university provide opportunities for participation in a variety of 

athletic activities such as tennis, basketball, 

baseball, softball, soccer and football. Many 

state universities also operate resourceWilliams Park, Hillsborough County 
3—39 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

billion to acquire conservation and recreation 

lands. 

County Roles 

Florida’s counties vary in character from 

densely populated metropolitan areas such 

as Miami-Dade and Pinellas, to sparsely 

populated rural areas like Glades and Liberty. County governments are key components of Florida’s recreation and park system. All counties do not have the same outdoor recreation needs nor have they all been 

able to fund responsive programs to the 

same degree, but every county in the state 

has an officially established outdoor recreation program. In some counties, useroriented recreation programming is limited, 

but resource-based facilities such as roadside picnic areas or boat ramps are common 

amenities. In some counties, user-oriented 

facilities may be available only at public 

schools and municipal parks. More than half 

of Florida's counties, however, have undertaken sophisticated recreation programs involving the administration of numerous and 

diverse parks, facilities and program activities. 

Counties are primarily concerned with the 

local outdoor recreation needs generated by 

extra-municipal populations and as a rule 

are the ideal level of government to provide 

regional or large community parks. Unlike 

cities, the larger acreage of counties provides a wider range of resources and a 

greater variety of outdoor recreation venues. 

As a result, the typical county outdoor recreation program in Florida may offer a combination of resource-based and useroriented activities. Beaches, swimming areas, boating access sites, picnic sites, scenic areas and, occasionally, campgrounds 

are among the more popular types of resource-based areas and facilities provided. 

and the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) provide assistance programs 

that develop waterway access projects such 

as boat ramps, marinas, boardwalks, fishing 

piers, waterfront parks, navigation channels, 

shoreline stabilization and environmental 

restoration projects. FIND is the state sponsor of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 

from the Georgia border to the southern end 

of Miami-Dade County and provides $12 million annually through two assistance programs. WCIND stretches from the northern 

border of Manatee County to the southern 

border of Lee County and contains the 152-

mile long Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. 

Local Government Providers 

Besides being the main provider of useroriented recreation facilities and programs, 

local governments are pursuing opportunities to acquire open space and conservation 

areas for their communities, often in partnerships with state agencies or non-profit conservation groups. Although the size of the 

properties acquired under these programs 

may not be as large as the properties acquired for conservation by state and federal 

agencies, they can be critically important in 

achieving a community’s goals for environmental preservation, recreation and open 

space, or growth management. 

Much of the success of the state’s land acquisition programs is the result of the cooperative partnerships between federal, state 

and local governments and national and local land trusts. Many of the projects have 

been sponsored jointly by partnering arrangements and such partnerships with local 

governments have increased in recent 

years. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 29 have implemented land acquisition programs as 

have several cities and regional authorities. 

Such programs have generated nearly $2 
3—40 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Municipal Roles 

Virtually all of Florida's 412 municipalities 

have recreation programs and facilities of 

one type or another. Many cities have developed park and recreation programs with 

trained staff involved in the administration of 

parks, facilities and programs. Smaller cities 

may have only limited facilities and rely on 

the county government, local school system, 

private organizations or non-profit groups to 

carry out athletic programs. 

Because of population densities and the lack 

of large open space areas that support resource-based recreation opportunities, municipal recreation systems tend to concentrate on providing more intensive useroriented facilities that require relatively little 

space. Typical municipal outdoor recreation 

facilities include playgrounds, swimming 

pools, ball fields, tennis courts and golf 

courses. Because of the near total reliance 

on user-oriented facilities, municipal programs have only a limited bearing on the 

statewide resource-based outdoor recreation program. There are some exceptions, 

however, especially in the cases of cities 

located on bodies of water. For example, 

Atlantic and Gulf coastal communities provide many excellent public beach facilities, 

while those located on navigable waters 

(coastal or inland) operate marinas, boat 

ramps, mooring fields and other boating facilities. 

Although little in the way of resource-based 

outdoor recreation facilities is provided by 

the typical municipal outdoor recreation program, municipal programs play a primary 

role in the provision of user-oriented recreation opportunities in Florida. The importance 

of the role of municipal programs will grow 

as increased public emphasis is placed on 

close-to-home recreation. Since municipal 

recreation agencies are the recreation system closest to the people, they are usually 

the first to feel the pressures to establish 

programs for meeting the added demands of 

new residents. 

Non-Government Roles 

In addition to the more conventional forms of 

outdoor recreation provided by all levels of 

government, a wide array of recreational opportunities is afforded by the private sector. 

Private programs range from for-profit recreational enterprises such as campgrounds, 

golf courses, marinas and attractions of all 

kinds to non-profit conservation organizations. Industries with extensive land holdings, notably the forest products industry in 

Florida, provide vast recreation resources 

and excellent facilities on their lands for the 

use of the public often at only a nominal fee. 

However, this resource is quickly disappearing in many parts of the state as timber lands 

are being converted to private access leases 

or developed for residential and commercial 

purposes. 

Private outdoor recreation, because of its 

size, complexity and the fact that it undergoes rapid and frequent change, is extremely difficult to inventory in a comprehensive manner. In addition to its direct delivery 

of outdoor recreation opportunities, the private sector can respond quickly to opportunities for acquiring property for subsequent 

donation or resale. This capability makes 

the private sector a valuable partner with 

public agencies in the provision of resourcebased outdoor recreation. During the past 

decade, private companies and non-profit 

organizations have transferred thousands of 

acres to state government for recreation and 

conservation purposes. Those transfers 

represent a substantial contribution to the 
3—41 

Outdoor Recreation in Florida, 2008 

Tall Timbers Research Station and Land 

Conservancy, Leon County 

overall supply of outdoor recreational opportunities in Florida. 

Commercial Providers 

Florida’s commercial outdoor recreation providers are a vital component of the state’s 

economy. Commercial providers meet a 

significant portion of the overall demand for 

both resource-based and user-oriented outdoor recreation in Florida, particularly touristgenerated demand. Because of their capabilities and further potential for fulfilling demand, the private commercial sector must 

bear a large share of the responsibility for 

meeting demand for both resource-based 

and user-oriented recreation. 

Private Organizations 

This category includes private and quasipublic organizations such as the YMCA, 

4-H, scouting organizations, faith-based 

groups and a myriad of conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, 

Audubon Society, Archbold Biological Station and Tall Timbers Research Station and 

Land Conservancy. In many cases these 

organizations not only acquire and manage 

conservation land, but they also conduct 

preservation, restoration and research programs and public educational activities. 

These groups provide land and facilities primarily for the use of members, but in some 

cases for the public at large. 

Clubs 

This category includes hunt clubs, country 

clubs, tennis clubs, yacht clubs and others. 

These groups manage land or facilities that 

are primarily available only to organization 

members or their guests. In addition, private 

industry lands are included (timber companies and other industries with extensive land 

holdings whose lands or portions thereof are 

open to the public). The majority of these 

lands are used for resource-based recreation, although some forms of user-oriented 

facilities are also available.