Rules are established in the Florida Administrative Code to protect Florida's natural resources and the many visitors to our state parks.  Florida Park Police officers are responsible for enforcing Florida Statutes, Administrative Codes, and city/county ordinances.  Below are some, but not all, of the actions prohibited by Florida Administrative Code 62D-2.  To view the rule in its entirety go to https://www.flrules.org and look for Florida Administrative Code 62D-2.

Park police officer securing evidence.

• Removal or Destruction of Park Property and Resources - Resources include plants, animals, soil, coral, gravel, archeological artifacts, or other material.

• Fires/Smoking Materials - Fires may only be lit in designated fireplaces or grills.  Smoking materials or other inflammable items must be disposed of in designated receptacles.

• Harming Animal/Plant Life - No person shall possess, molest, harm, frighten, kill, trap, hunt, chase, capture, shoot, or throw any object at any mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, or any other animal.  No person shall attempt to pet or feed any wild animal or remove the eggs, nest or young of any such animal.  No person shall introduce into any park any plant or animal species by willful abandonment without authorization from the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Recreation and Parks.

• Collection of Specimens - A permit must be obtained for the collection of natural objects, including plant and animal life and minerals.

• Alcohol in the Parks - Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except in restaurants and lodges that provide sales of such alcohol, and during park-sanctioned events such as special events, within designated areas only.

• Pets - All pets must be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise confined.  Owners are responsible for cleaning up pet droppings.  Some areas of the park may prohibit pets.

• Hours - No person shall remain in any park after closing unless properly registered as an overnight visitor or in possession of a valid after hours permit from the Division of Recreation and Parks or the park manager.  Opening and closing hours are posted at each park.

Click link to view Florida Administrative Code 62D-2 [PDF - 24.78MB] in it's entirety.