Frequently Asked Questions
What are the contest rules? More information coming soon!
Who can enter? Any legal resident of the United States who has visited a Florida State Park. Entrants to the Professional / Hobbyist Division and Mobile Phone Photographer Division must be 18 years or older.
When can I enter the contest? More information coming soon!
What participant division am I in? There are three divisions for the participants of the Florida State Parks Photo Contest:
Professional / Hobbyist Division
- Professional photographers and adult hobbyists.
- Equipment: Professional or high-definition photography equipment such as digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless cameras.
Student Division
- High school, university or college students.
- Equipment: Professional-level photography equipment, DSLR, mirrorless, high-definition, consumer devices or cameras.
Mobile Phone Photographer Division
- Any photographer using a mobile device.
- Equipment: Mobile phone camera or device
What are the contest categories? Scroll to the bottom of the page for detailed category descriptions and example photos.
How many photos can I enter? Each participant can submit one photo per category, up to eight photos in total.
Can I edit my submitted photos? Minor edits, such as cropping, red-eye removal, and adjustments of contrast and brightness are permitted. Extensive manipulation, adding watermarks, or other alterations are prohibited.
Is a screenshot from my phone eligible? No, screenshots are not acceptable as submissions. Please upload the original photo.
Can I submit drone photography? No, drones are not allowed in Florida State Parks.
Can I submit a photo used in another contest? No, photos must be original submissions for this contest.
Are there restrictions on how I can take my photos? Yes, photos must not be staged with professional models, props, or commercial styling. We seek authentic, naturally occurring moments. Keep in mind that park rules may prohibit certain types of photography.
What is the People's Choice Award? This award allows website visitors to vote for their favorite photos. Each person can cast one vote every 24 hours. More information about the voting period coming soon!
When will the winners be announced? More information coming soon!
How will photos be used? Florida State Parks and associated agencies may use the images indefinitely for marketing, communications, education, and more. See the contest rules for more information.
How will Florida State Parks use the photo(s)? Florida State Parks and its reservation management provider, Tyler Technologies, will be able to use the images in perpetuity for their marketing and communications campaigns.
Do I have to go out and take new photos now? No, you don’t have to take a new photo now. You can submit any photo taken on or after August 1, 2023.
Picture this. Seascapes, riverbanks, spring runs, forests, horizons, and other all-natural settings. Then send us the picture.
Whether it's a sun-drenched beach, a misty morning lake, or a vibrant sunset over a river, let your lens find the magic in Florida's diverse waterscapes.
Max out your photography skills by capturing images where the wild things grow. Squirrels, deer, otters and other natives may even pose for the camera. Birds have a separate category. Remember not to include invasive species such as monkeys, pythons, iguanas or other animals from this list.
Florida’s many birds include year-round residents and migratory species. Catch them on the fly or striking a picture-perfect pose.
More than 4,200 plant species grow outside of cultivation in Florida, nearly 3,000 are native. Focus on one. Or find a meadow where flowers create fields of dream shots for photographers.
Capture butterflies, little beasties or close-ups of an object that shows detail the human eye usually overlooks. Make us look.
Lights! Camera! Action! Our sun provides the light, you bring the camera, you capture the action. Fishing, swimming, hiking, exploring and paddling are potential actions to capture in Florida State Parks.
Campfires, s’mores, tents, campers and moonlight are available for photoshoots at more than 50 scenic campgrounds in Florida State Parks.