Florida State Parks has once again been named a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. Presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, this prestigious award highlights the best park systems in the country.
Competing in the State Park System category, Florida stands out as the only state to have earned the Gold Medal four times—a record unmatched nationwide. The Florida Park Service oversees one of the largest state park systems in the U.S., managing 175 parks across more than 815,000 acres. This includes 101 miles of coastline, over 3,000 miles of trails, and 18 state springs parks.
Over the past fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed more than 30 million visitors. That activity generated $82 million in revenue and contributed an estimated $3.7 billion to the state’s economy.
“It’s an honor to be named a finalist for the Gold Medal Award,” said Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “Our state parks represent more than just beautiful places to visit—they reflect our deep commitment to conservation, public access, and the preservation of Florida’s incredible natural diversity. I’m grateful to our dedicated staff and volunteers who make our parks a national model.”
The Gold Medal Award, established in 1965, recognizes park systems that excel in areas like long-term planning, environmental stewardship, public programming, professional development, and community involvement. The state park category is awarded every two years.
“Florida’s state parks offer something for everyone—whether you’re hiking, paddling, birdwatching, or spending the night under the stars,” said Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks. “With 75 parks located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and thousands of campsites and cabins across the state, we’re proud to offer unforgettable outdoor experiences while protecting the land for future generations.”
Joining Florida as 2025 finalists in the state category are Ohio State Parks & Watercraft and Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources. The winner will be announced during the National Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference, September 16–18, 2025, in Orlando.
To learn more about Florida’s award-winning parks or to start planning your next outdoor adventure, visit FloridaStateParks.org.