Effective July 1, 2010 Florida’s state parks will provide discounts on or free Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the United States military branches, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the US military who have fallen in combat.

Honorably discharged veterans, active duty, reserve and national guard are eligible for a 25% discount. Honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities shall receive free lifetime entrance passes. Surviving spouses of deceased service members who have fallen in combat will qualify for free annual entrance passes.

For complete information, go to website: www.floridastateparks.org

• Click on Things to Know – on the top line
• Click on Annual Pass – in the left column, under Things to Know
• Click on Discount on Annual Entrance Passes for Veterans and their Families

View the following information:

Effective July 1, 2010 Florida’s state parks will provide discounts on or free Annual Entrance Passes to those who currently serve or have served in the United States military branches, veterans with service related disabilities and surviving spouses of members of the US military who have fallen in combat.

The discounted Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass is only available for purchase at any Florida State Park staffed ranger station. The free annual pass can only be obtained at a staffed ranger station. View list of staffed ranger stations.

Effective July 1, 2010 the Florida Park Service shall provide discounts on the purchase of Annual Entrance Passes to persons who present satisfactory written documentation which demonstrates their eligibility:

·         25% discount on Annual Entrance Passes for active duty and honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve units of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who present proof of eligibility.

Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

• Current military identification card showing the bearer as active duty, reserve or retired member of a branch of the Department of Defense, or
• Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
• Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual’s Character of Service as Honorable, or
• Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as active duty, reserve, veteran or retired military.

·         Free for Life Family Annual Entrance Passes for honorably discharged United States veterans who have service-connected disabilities.

Satisfactory written documentation to prove eligibility includes:

• Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
• Most recent DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the named individual’s Character of Service as Honorable, or
• Other current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as veteran, or retired military, and
• Current official documentation from the Department of Defense, or one of its branches, naming the bearer as having sustained a service-related disability.

·         Free for Life Family Annual Entrance Passes for surviving spouses of deceased members of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard or reserve units of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard who have fallen in combat.

Proof of spouse having fallen in combat and proof of spousal relationship are required.

• Personal identification (i.e.: driver license) and
• The final DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the date of death as the same date as the date of separation, and,
• Marriage certificate or license, or death certificate showing the bearer as the spouse of the military member who has fallen in combat.

HOW TO BUY AN ANNUAL ENTRANCE PASS

• Purchase at a Park - Annual Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for the Veterans Discount or Free Annual Entrance Passes may purchase their Annual Pass using this method.
• Purchase Online - Annual passes may be purchased online using a credit or debit card. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are all accepted. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. The online confirmation page cannot be used as a means of entry to a park. Please keep the confirmation page for your financial records and to provide proof-of-purchase in the case of a lost pass. Those who are eligible for the Veterans Discount or Free Annual Entrance Passes may NOT purchase their Annual Pass using this method.
• Purchase by Mail or Fax - Annual Passes may be purchased with a check, money order or credit card by mail. Passes may be purchased with a check or credit card by fax. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Those who are eligible for the Veterans Discount or Free Annual Entrance Passes may NOT purchase their Annual Pass using this method.

Please fill out and mail or fax a request form to:
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4156 South Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa Springs, FL 34446
(352) 628-1243