SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – If you’re planning to visit Wekiwa Springs State Park this summer, you may have visited the state’s website and seen that regular day passes are fully booked from late May through August. But it turns out, there are open spots available within that window.

Our News 6 Team reached out to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees all state parks, and found out that reservations can only be made up to 60 days in advance.

We also called the park on Friday and were told over the phone that if you try to book a reservation past the 60-day mark, the website automatically shows it as “booked.” Staff encouraged people with questions to give them a call if they need help navigating this new system.

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We previously reported that the pilot program at Wekiwa Springs would begin on March 12 and all day-use visitors, including annual passholders, will be required to make a reservation to enter the park.

“Wekiwa Springs State Park is a true natural wonder. I’m very proud of our team for finding a way to make it easier to visit this incredible park,” said Chuck Hatcher, director of Florida State Parks. “These reservations will give guests the opportunity to see the Real Florida while reducing long lines and wait times.”

When our team visited the park Friday afternoon, there was no line of cars waiting to get in. In the past, it was common to see congestion at the entrance on N. Wekiwa Springs Road. The park had become so popular during the peak summer season that many families were forced to wake up and early and get in line in the hope of being granted admission before it hit capacity.

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This summer, the reservation pilot program will be in use through Sept. 1, 2025. There are no extra fees associated with these reservations. However, the standard day-use park entry fee will be paid online when the reservation is made.

The program does not affect visitors with camping reservations.

Since its opening in 1969, Wekiwa Springs State Park has operated under a first come, first served entry policy. In the past decade, the park has welcomed an average of over 400,000 visitors annually, with peak visitation occurring from May to August, drawing 40,000-60,000 visitors per month.

If a specific day reaches full capacity this summer, a spokesperson with FDEP tells News 6 that additional reservations will become available as visitors leave the park. There is also a notification feature on the park’s reservation page, where people can sign up and receive an email notification when a spot opens up. Just click on the “Notify Me!” tab next to the pass and date you are searching for.

Here are some common questions answered by Florida State Parks:

What is happening at Wekiwa Springs State Park?

Beginning March 12, 2025, Wekiwa Springs State Park will implement a reservation pilot program. All day-use park guests, including annual passholders, must have a reservation for entry to the park. The window for advanced reservations opens March 10, 2025. The program will last through Sept. 1, 2025.

Why is Florida State Parks implementing this reservation pilot program?

The switch to a reservation pilot program from March 12, 2025, to Sept. 1, 2025, is intended to reduce entrance lines at Wekiwa Springs State Park that currently stretch into traffic, causing significant disruptions and long wait times for visitors trying to enter the park.

Which parks are using day-use reservations?

The pilot program is only being implemented at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The Florida Park Service will assess the success of the pilot program at Wekiwa Springs to determine whether it should be continued or expanded.

When can I make a day-use reservation?

Advanced day-use reservations can be made starting March 10, 2025. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Same-day reservations may be made until the reservation limit has been met.

How do I get a day-use reservation?

To obtain a park reservation, visit the park’s reservation site. A separate reservation must be made for each day. The park entry fee will be collected online at the time of reservation. There is no additional fee to make a day-use reservation. Annual passholders will be able to select “Annual Passholder” as their payment option and will still need to show their annual pass when entering the park. If you don’t have an account yet, visit reserve.floridastateparks.org now to set one up so you’re ready when the time comes to make your first reservation.

How do you determine the number of reservations available each day?

The number of available reservations is based on the maximum number of visitors the park can accommodate.

What do I need to present to get into the park?

Visitors will need proof of their reservation receipt, either digital or in print. Annual passholders will need both their reservation receipt and their annual pass. Guests who have reserved services through a concessionaire will need to present confirmation of their purchase. Camping guests need only their camping reservation information.

Is there any way to enter without a reservation?

During the pilot program, visitors must have a day-use reservation, a camping reservation or a concession reservation to enter the park.

If I leave the park, am I able to re-enter with the same reservation?

If you would like to reenter the park during your reservation, you must ask for a reentry ticket from the ranger station before exiting the park. Without this reentry ticket, reentry is not allowed.

If I miss my day-use reservation, can I get a refund?

The day-use entry fee is refundable if the reservation is canceled. No-shows are non-refundable.

As a camper, is anything changing about my entry process?

For camping guests, the entry process will remain the same as before.

If I reserve a pavilion, can I make reservations for the guests of my event?

You may pay for the reservations of others in conjunction with a pavilion rental. Please contact the park for more information on how to coordinate reservations for your event.

What if I just want to enter the park to purchase an annual pass in-person?

All forms of annual passes can be obtained at the Ranger Station at any time during regular park hours without a reservation.

How can I provide feedback about this program?

We value your feedback and would love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts to ReservationPilotProgram@FloridaDEP.gov.