Frequently Asked Questions

What are the contest rules? Click here to read the Terms and Conditions.

Who can enter? Any legal resident of the United States who has visited a Florida State Park. 

When can I enter the contest? Submit your photos for a chance to win from July 1-Sept. 1, 2025.

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 five photos in total. 

Can I edit my submitted photos? Minor edits (i.e., 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 generally allowed in Florida State Parks. For more information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/plan-your-visit/faqs.

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 from the semifinalist list. Each person can cast one vote every 24 hours from Sept. 23-Oct. 7, 2025.

When will the winners be announced? Winners will be announced in October 2025. 

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 submit new photos now? No, you don’t have to take a new photo now. You can submit any photo taken on or after Jan. 1, 2025.  

Contest Categories

Capture the breathtaking beauty of Florida's diverse terrain, from rolling sand dunes and pine flatwoods to scenic overlooks and serene forests. This category celebrates the natural vistas that make each state park uniquely stunning.

Showcase Florida’s captivating aquatic environments. Whether it's a crystal-clear spring, a peaceful river, a coastal shoreline or a misty morning over a lake, we want to see the power and tranquility of water in our parks.

Highlight the excitement of exploring Florida State Parks! Submit photos that feature hiking, biking, paddling, camping or simply enjoying the great outdoors. Let your images inspire others to embark on their own park adventures.

Florida State Parks are home to incredible creatures, big and small. From elusive sea turtles and playful otters to majestic birds and vibrant butterflies, capture the essence of wild Florida in its natural habitat — always from a respectful distance.

Bring Florida’s past to life through images of historic structures, cultural landmarks or reenactments found within the parks. This category is for photographs that connect us to the stories, heritage and people that shaped the state’s rich history.