In order to continue its tradition of award-winning visitor experiences and affordable nature-based recreation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) state park system will implement changes to its fee schedule for camping/cabin reservations and related utility fees beginning Wednesday, May 5, 2021.
Currently, fees are collected for making, changing and canceling reservations. There will be no change in these fees under the new fee schedule, and they will continue to be collected at the time reservations are made, changed or canceled. Utility fees, which are currently collected from day campers using park utilities, will be extended to cabin stays and overnight campsites using electric and water. The fee will be assessed daily.
The Florida Park Service has not increased any fees since 2009. Subsequent increases in utility fees are proportionate with increasing costs of electric power, water, sewer and utility maintenance. The increase in revenue will enable Florida’s award-winning state parks to continue providing high-quality recreation in an unmatched natural setting.
Entry fees for Florida’s state parks and trails will remain unchanged.
The new fee schedule is as follows.
Reservation Fee | Non-refundable reservation fee per reservation for reservations online or using the call center; fee collected at the time of reservation; reservation fees do not apply to primitive sites. (No change in fee.) | $6.70 |
Cancellation Fee | Cancellation fee assessed for each reservation cancelled; visitors canceling on the day of arrival assessed a cancellation fee and the first night’s use fee. (No change in fee.) | $17.75 |
Transfer Fee | Visitors charged a transfer fee when making reservation change. (No change in fee.) | $10.00 |
Utility Fee | Non-registered, day-use sites per unit per day, all campsites with electric and water service and all cabins. Does not apply to primitive tent sites or to sites that do not use electric. | $7.00 |
Park fees are deposited into the State Park Trust Fund and appropriated annually to support park operations and maintenance. Utility fees help cover increased utility costs, repairs and improvements. Improvements include repairing or upgrading electric connections, and improving and operating wastewater and water systems, including connection to municipal water and wastewater systems.
“Utility payments and improvements are a large and growing cost of park operations,” said Eric Draper, director of the Division of Recreation and Parks. “We are proud of continuing improvements to campgrounds and cabins to make overnight stays comfortable by providing safe and reliable electric, sewer and water service.”
Under Rule 62D-2.014(2)(d), Florida Administrative Code, user fees become effective after they are advertised in a statewide news release, and, if requested, are reviewed at a public hearing and approved in writing by the Secretary of the department. Copies of the current fee schedule may be obtained from state park offices or by writing to the Division of Recreation and Parks, MS #500, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000. The current fee schedule and additional fee information can be found at FloridaStateParks.org/fees.
If requested, a public hearing on the proposed fee schedule will be held via electronic teleconference on April 30, 2021, at 10 a.m. Interested parties who wish to receive a copy of the proposed fee schedule, request a public hearing or participate in the electronic teleconference should contact Bryan Bradner, Assistant Director, Florida State Parks, at 850-245-3046 or [email protected].
For more details on prices for individual state parks or general information about the Florida state park system, visit FloridaStateParks.org.
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Mike says
Will a 30amp connection be the same charge as a 50 amp ?
John Adams says
Yes. I contacted the state. This is another bureaucratic ploy…this utility fee goes to the general fund no different than a campsite fee…they can use it for any purpose.
“ Revenue collected through the utility fee will be deposited in the Florida State Park Trust Fund, consistent with other revenue collected by the state park system, and expended for operation of the parks, consistent with the annual appropriation of funds by the Florida Legislature.”
Gary Henderson says
What really sucks is Florida residents CAN HARDLY GET INTO OUR STATE PARKS BECAUSE OF THE DAMN SNOW BIRDS!!! Now you want MORE money from the local tax payers!!!
Tina says
You are so right on that statement. The Snow Birds take up all the camping sites and the ones of us that live here
in Florida can never get a site. Something needs to be done about this. Its just not right.
Mike says
At fort desoto residents can get reservations 1 month early. This seems fair to an extent. The problem is only residents of pinellas county and not Floridians. Something needs to change because Florida residents have to struggle to get reservations in prime camping months. Hurricane season is the leftovers we get and the sweltering heat. Now the price is going up. If you are camping in a tent you pay the same price as someone in a half million dollar RV. I find that strange. There is a difference in 50 amp, 30 amp and a 15 amp 120 hookup.why are these issues not being addressed? Good luck finding a camping spot in the cooler months. Please speak up
And maybe change can be made.
Florence Sass says
When we travel north in our RV we have to pay more as out of state residents in many of the state parks. Why doesn’t Florida charge the snow birds more if they are looking for more revenue?
joe phillips says
So my question is, When does the Utility Fee Begin? I don’t see a date to when it takes affect. i see the other fees are in place. Thank you.