FLORIDA
STATE PARK PET POLICY
The general FPS Pet Rules may vary from park to park.
Please read below for additional and specific park
information or use this link:
Domestic
Animals
Pets are permitted in designated day-use areas
at ALL Florida State Parks. They must be kept on
a hand-held leash that is six-feet or shorter and
be well-behaved at all times. Pet owners are required
to pick up after their pets and properly dispose
of their droppings. Pets are not permitted on beaches
or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park
buildings, or concession facilities. Within individual
parks, specific areas also may be designated as
no-pet areas.
List
of Florida state camping parks that will allow pets
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida
State Parks.
Pet Camping Rules
For everyone's enjoyment, including pets, please
observe the following pet camping rules.
Pets must be vaccinated against rabies, but owners
are no longer required to show proof of vaccination
(except horses- where proof of negative Coggins test
are required)
Pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the
physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may
not exceed six feet in length. Pets that are tethered
at the campsite cannot be left unattended for more than
30 minutes. Pets may not be tied to trees, bushes, tables,
shelter facilities even when the owners are present.
Pets must be well-behaved at all times. Pets must
be confined in the owner's camping unit during the
park's quiet hours (11 PM - 8 AM).
Pet owners are required to pick up after their
pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in
trash receptacles.
Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating,
or destructive will not be allowed to remain in
the park.
Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish,
must be confined or under the physical control of the
owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property.
Captive wild species, whether native or non-native,
and barnyard animals, except horses, are prohibited.
Pets are not allowed in cabins.
Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to check out of the campground.
Camping areas and other park areas will be evaluated, as to the suitability of pets, on a periodic basis as part of the unit management planning process. Areas of the park designated as prohibited for pets shall be determined based on park natural and cultural resources, primary recreational activities, camper and pet health and safety, geographical location and layout of camping areas, and the ability to provide a quality recreational experience for all visitors.
Florida State Parks are managed to restore and maintain a delicate ecological balance between native Florida species. Non-native plants and animals often upset that balance. The growing list of non-native animals that harm native wildlife unfortunately includes free-ranging domestic cats. Recognizing that this is a matter of growing concern throughout the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has embarked on an education campaign in support of the national Cats Indoors! movement. Their website also provides excellent information about native wildlife and the impacts of domestic animals. FWC's Cats Indoors! Education Campaign. |
