Florida state parks are free over Presidents Day weekend. What to know

Happy Friday the 13th!

Don’t be afraid. In fact, here’s something worth getting out of bed for: enjoy one of Florida’s 175 state parks for free starting today, Friday, February 13.

Free admission will last until Monday, February 16, as we take advantage of Presidents Day weekend. Or Washington’s Birthday, whatever you prefer to call it.

➤ Is it Presidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday? History behind this federal holiday

Here’s what you need to know.

Enter Florida State Parks for Free February 13-16, 2026

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that visitors will be able to enter Florida State Parks from Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16.

Free entry to Florida’s state parks is part of America250 as the country celebrates its quincentennial.

“As the nation reflects on 250 years of independence, Florida State Parks invites visitors to experience history not only through exhibits, but through the landscapes themselves,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert.

“Our parks provide meaningful connections to the people and events that shaped our nation. »

When is Florida State Parks free?

Enjoy free admission to Florida State Parks from Friday, February 13th through Monday, February 16th.

Free Florida Park Admission Lasts Through Presidents Day

Free park admission lasts until Presidents Day, known by some states and the federal government as Washington’s Birthday.

Presidents Day is Monday, February 16.

Most Florida schools closed on Presidents Day

Most, but not all, Florida schools will be closed for the holiday on Monday, February 16.

➤ See the list by department

The school will take place in four Florida counties, including Palm Beach County, home to President Trump’s Florida residence at Mar-a-Lago,

Are there any exceptions to free park entry?

The Florida DEP said free admission applies only to day use and excludes Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park.

All other fees, including lodging, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, remain in effect.

As the “14th Colony,” Florida played a role during the Revolutionary period

“Florida played a complex and often overlooked role during the Revolutionary period,” according to Florida State Parks.

“At the time, British West Florida was sometimes described as the ‘Fourteenth Colony,’ and several current state parks preserve sites related to this era, including:

New state park opens in Florida

A new state park opened in Florida at the end of January: Shoal River Headwaters State Park.

➤ There is a new state park open in Florida. 6 things to know

Shoal River Headwaters State Park is located west of DeFuniak Springs in the Florida Panhandle.

The 2,480-acre park is composed of sandy hills, mesic plains, and floodplain forests along tributaries of the Shoal River.

Not a resident of the United States? It will cost you to visit national parks

It’s going to get more expensive for international travelers to visit some of America’s most popular national parks, including Florida’s Everglades National Park.

➤ $100 entry to national parks? Who will pay more, where in Florida

Starting January 1, 2026, “non-residents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to access 11 of the most visited national parks.”

Enjoy free admission to national parks on “Free Patriotic Days,” including Presidents’ Day

Most sites operated by the National Park Service are free, but some require a pass. You can get free admission to the park on several “Free Patriot Days.”

In 2026, these dates are:

• July 3-5: Independence Day weekend

• August 25: 110th anniversary of the National Park Service

• September 17: Constitution Day

• October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday

“Beginning in 2026, free entry on these days will be restricted to U.S. citizens and residents only,” the National Park Service said.

“Non-residents will pay regular entry fees plus any applicable non-resident fees.”

How many national parks are there in Florida?

There are 11 national parks in Florida:

Cheryl McCloud is a reporter for the Connect Service Journalism team at USA TODAY Network-Florida. You can get all the best Florida content delivered straight to your inbox every weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://heraldtribune.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Free admission to Florida state parks during Presidents Day weekend