Florida State Parks Announces Florida’s Newest Addition: Shoal River Headwaters State Park

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 01/23/2026 04:10 PM EST
| | | |
| ## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 23, 2026

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov

Florida State Parks Announces Florida’s Newest Addition:

Shoal River Headwaters State Park

\| \|
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. – Today, Florida State Parks marked the addition of Shoal River Headwaters State Park, the newest state park in Florida, during a celebration and guided tour highlighting the property’s scenic landscapes and ecological significance. Located just west of DeFuniak Springs, the park features rolling sandy hills, mesic flatwoods and floodplain forests along tributaries of the Shoal River.

"Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. "Florida’s Park Service is a national leader and with each new addition we continue to raise the standard for conservation and resource-based recreation. Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors."

The 2,480-acre park is now open for passive recreation, including hiking and wildlife viewing, while Florida State Parks works with the public on long-term recreation and land management plans. Future opportunities may include camping, biking and paddling along the Shoal River.

"Shoal River Headwaters is a special place today, and it will only get better as we plan thoughtfully for recreation and conservation," said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. "Our goal is to ensure visitors can enjoy it for decades to come while protecting its remarkable habitats."

Florida State Parks are a significant economic driver for communities across the state. In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed more than 28 million visitors, contributing an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.

"I am so excited that another tract of Walton County’s natural beauty is being preserved in Shoal River Headwaters State Park," said Florida Representative Shane G. Abbott. "This new state park will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the natural Florida that I did growing up."

Shoal River Headwaters protects critical habitat for rare and imperiled species, while supporting aquifer recharge and maintaining the quality and natural functions of wetlands and waterways. Situated within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, this property serves as important buffer land, supports military readiness and links with nearby conservation lands to form connected wildlife corridors.

Shoal River Headwaters is part of the Upper Shoal River Florida Forever project and was acquired in partnership with Trust for Public Land. This acquisition was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a previous cabinet meeting.

"Today marks an exciting milestone for Florida’s newest state park and the communities who will now have a place to gather, explore and connect with nature," said Melissa Hill, Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land. "Thanks to the extraordinary collaboration with Florida Forever, Atira Conservation, EJK Foundation and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, this remarkable landscape is protected forever — safeguarding water quality, wildlife habitat and abundant outdoor experiences for generations to come."

Learn more about Florida State Parks at FloridaStateParks.org.

| |

| | |
| ## About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With more than 811,000 acres, 101 miles of beaches and 3,120 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures.

For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/405d817 | | | | ## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 23, 2026

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov

Florida State Parks Announces Florida’s Newest Addition:

Shoal River Headwaters State Park

| |
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. – Today, Florida State Parks marked the addition of Shoal River Headwaters State Park, the newest state park in Florida, during a celebration and guided tour highlighting the property’s scenic landscapes and ecological significance. Located just west of DeFuniak Springs, the park features rolling sandy hills, mesic flatwoods and floodplain forests along tributaries of the Shoal River.

"Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. "Florida’s Park Service is a national leader and with each new addition we continue to raise the standard for conservation and resource-based recreation. Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors."

The 2,480-acre park is now open for passive recreation, including hiking and wildlife viewing, while Florida State Parks works with the public on long-term recreation and land management plans. Future opportunities may include camping, biking and paddling along the Shoal River.

"Shoal River Headwaters is a special place today, and it will only get better as we plan thoughtfully for recreation and conservation," said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. "Our goal is to ensure visitors can enjoy it for decades to come while protecting its remarkable habitats."

Florida State Parks are a significant economic driver for communities across the state. In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed more than 28 million visitors, contributing an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.

"I am so excited that another tract of Walton County’s natural beauty is being preserved in Shoal River Headwaters State Park," said Florida Representative Shane G. Abbott. "This new state park will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the natural Florida that I did growing up."

Shoal River Headwaters protects critical habitat for rare and imperiled species, while supporting aquifer recharge and maintaining the quality and natural functions of wetlands and waterways. Situated within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, this property serves as important buffer land, supports military readiness and links with nearby conservation lands to form connected wildlife corridors.

Shoal River Headwaters is part of the Upper Shoal River Florida Forever project and was acquired in partnership with Trust for Public Land. This acquisition was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a previous cabinet meeting.

"Today marks an exciting milestone for Florida’s newest state park and the communities who will now have a place to gather, explore and connect with nature," said Melissa Hill, Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land. "Thanks to the extraordinary collaboration with Florida Forever, Atira Conservation, EJK Foundation and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, this remarkable landscape is protected forever — safeguarding water quality, wildlife habitat and abundant outdoor experiences for generations to come."

Learn more about Florida State Parks at FloridaStateParks.org.

| | ## About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With more than 811,000 acres, 101 miles of beaches and 3,120 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures.

For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/405d817 |

| | | | | |
| ## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 23, 2026

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov

Florida State Parks Announces Florida’s Newest Addition:

Shoal River Headwaters State Park

| |
DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. – Today, Florida State Parks marked the addition of Shoal River Headwaters State Park, the newest state park in Florida, during a celebration and guided tour highlighting the property’s scenic landscapes and ecological significance. Located just west of DeFuniak Springs, the park features rolling sandy hills, mesic flatwoods and floodplain forests along tributaries of the Shoal River.

"Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. "Florida’s Park Service is a national leader and with each new addition we continue to raise the standard for conservation and resource-based recreation. Shoal River Headwaters State Park highlights our commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures while providing new ways for visitors to explore, experience and enjoy the outdoors."

The 2,480-acre park is now open for passive recreation, including hiking and wildlife viewing, while Florida State Parks works with the public on long-term recreation and land management plans. Future opportunities may include camping, biking and paddling along the Shoal River.

"Shoal River Headwaters is a special place today, and it will only get better as we plan thoughtfully for recreation and conservation," said Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher. "Our goal is to ensure visitors can enjoy it for decades to come while protecting its remarkable habitats."

Florida State Parks are a significant economic driver for communities across the state. In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed more than 28 million visitors, contributing an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact.

"I am so excited that another tract of Walton County’s natural beauty is being preserved in Shoal River Headwaters State Park," said Florida Representative Shane G. Abbott. "This new state park will ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to enjoy the natural Florida that I did growing up."

Shoal River Headwaters protects critical habitat for rare and imperiled species, while supporting aquifer recharge and maintaining the quality and natural functions of wetlands and waterways. Situated within the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, this property serves as important buffer land, supports military readiness and links with nearby conservation lands to form connected wildlife corridors.

Shoal River Headwaters is part of the Upper Shoal River Florida Forever project and was acquired in partnership with Trust for Public Land. This acquisition was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet during a previous cabinet meeting.

"Today marks an exciting milestone for Florida’s newest state park and the communities who will now have a place to gather, explore and connect with nature," said Melissa Hill, Senior Project Manager for Trust for Public Land. "Thanks to the extraordinary collaboration with Florida Forever, Atira Conservation, EJK Foundation and the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, this remarkable landscape is protected forever — safeguarding water quality, wildlife habitat and abundant outdoor experiences for generations to come."

Learn more about Florida State Parks at FloridaStateParks.org.

| | | | |

| | | | | |
| ## About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s award-winning state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With more than 811,000 acres, 101 miles of beaches and 3,120 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures.

For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/405d817 | | | | |

| | | | | SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Delete Profile | Help |