Florida residents to see new benefit for booking campsites in 2024

Cover photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by anoldent | Flickr

According to a press release from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida residents will soon be able to book their overnight accommodations nearly a year in advance.

The new change will be effective on January 1, 2024, at noon Eastern Standard Time, allowing Florida residents to book their cabin, RV, tent, boat, and equestrian campsite reservations 11 months in advance.

To take advantage of this new benefit, Florida residents will need to provide a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card number at the time of booking and agree to the following statement:

"I understand and attest that this camping reservation is being made under the Florida Residents Preference provisions outlined in s. 258.014(2), Florida Statutes. I am a Florida resident, and I agree to provide my Florida driver’s license number or Florida identification card number issued under s. 322.051, Florida Statutes, as proof of Florida residency while making this reservation and upon arrival in the state park during check-in. I also acknowledge that this reservation is not transferable. Any attempt to use this reservation by anyone other than this account holder will result in cancellation, forfeiture of all fees associated with this reservation, and assessment of the cancellation fee pursuant to the Florida State Parks Fee Schedule. Furthermore, any attempt to circumvent the spirit and intent of Florida Residents Preference by this account holder, including the sale or transfer of overnight park reservations, may result in suspension of the account holder’s ability to make future reservations."

Starting today, December 11, 2023, Florida residents may update their profile associated with the Florida State Parks Reservation System to add their valid Florida driver’s license or ID card number.

This information, which will be validated with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, will need to be verified annually.

Residents aren't the only ones who will see advanced booking benefits in the new year. Non-Florida residents will now be able to book up to 10 months in advance as well.
​
To plan your next Florida State Parks camping trip or to update your ID information, view the official website here.
Article by Rachael Volpe