Florida's Great Outdoors Initiative provided economic boom to state
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Tallahasse, Florida - Florida's Great Outdoors Initiative, that was announced on October 14, 2023, came to a close on January 13, 2024. By saving Floridians money with 50% discounts on Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses and Annual State Park Passes, it encouraged them to get outdoors and explore Florida’s natural resources.
The Great Outdoors Initiaive provided the highest discount for these licenses and passes in Florida history. More than 75,000 Gold Sportsman licenses totaling $24 million and more than 55,000 state park passes totaling $2.86 million were sold during the initiative. More than 23,000 of the hunting and fishing licenses purchased were for first time license holders.
The more than 75,000 sportsman licenses sold through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) totaled $24 million in sales, representing an increase of over 400% compared to the 18,300 sportsman licenses sold during this same period last year. The collective interest, sales and participation highlights the initiative’s impressive, statewide success and further underscores the importance outdoor recreation plays within Florida’s overall economy.
The more than 55,000 annual state park passes sold through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) breaks down to nearly 15,000 individual passes and more than 40,000 family passes. This is more than four times the number of annual passes sold during this same period last year.
In addition to creating and maintaining more than 50,000 jobs and benefitting the state economically last fiscal year to the tune of $3.6 billion, the Florida Park Service boasts the honor of being the only four-time winner of the Gold Medal distinction which recognizes the nation’s best park system.
As of January 1, 2024, new legislation allows Florida residents to make campsite or cabin reservations up to 11 months in advance and non-Florida residents to make them up to 10 months in advance.
Florida is renowned as the Fishing Capital of the World. The FWC offers freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses for experiencing the best of coastal and inland fishing options, along with unique hunting opportunities. The economic impact on Florida through these opportunities is tremendous, with nearly $15 billion contributing to the state’s economy.
To find a state park near you, visit FloridaStateParks.org.
To find more information on fishing and hunting licenses in Florida, visit MyFWC.com/License/Recreational.