DUNEDIN, Fla. — Florida state parks will need almost $760 million in repairs over the next decade, according to a new report from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Visitors like Dustin Patrick say improvements are long overdue. “Fixing the roads coming in would be good,” he said. “The parking lots during the summer, they just fill with water.”
Republican State Senator Gayle Harrell called the report a crucial first step in addressing outdated infrastructure. “I think it’s critical needs first, and then you face things, and you say OK, next step,” she said. “What are the next most serious things?”
The report suggests allocating about two-thirds of the funds to repair visitor centers, cabins, pavilions, restrooms, and other park facilities. Around 25% would go toward fixing park roads, while 10% would be used to replace and upgrade wastewater systems and stabilize shorelines. Other park needs are also noted.
Andrew Harris of the Sierra Club hopes the legislature will act, noting that parks like Honeymoon Island could benefit. “I think a lot of parks, especially North Florida, Central Florida, are going to need the majority of those funds, but some of it will come here too,” he said.
This year, the legislature approved $15 million for state park improvements. By comparison, $59 million was spent on maintenance in the 2024 fiscal year.
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