About the National Forests in Florida

When were the forests established?

In 1908 Theodore Roosevelt declared the Ocala a National Forest. The first east of the Mississippi, it includes over 383,643 acres. The Osceola National Forest was established in 1931 and is 229,185 acres. The Apalachicola National Forest was Florida’s last National Forest to be proclaimed in 1932 and is the largest forest at 567,742 acres. Due to an aggressive land acquisition program, the Forest Service has added about 25,688 acres since 2004 bringing the total acres managed in Florida to about 1.2 million.

Who visits the National Forests in Florida?

With the large urban population centers of Jacksonville, Orlando, Daytona, Tampa, and Tallahassee within close proximity to the forests, they are some of the most highly visited in the east. Last year the Ocala alone was host to approximately 1.7 million visitors.

What wildlife make its home in Florida’s forests?

The Apalachicola is home to the only recovered population of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The Ocala is the only National Forest that the threatened Florida scrub-jay calls home. With diverse bird populations and growing Florida black bear populations, the forests are ideal locations for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. See the wildlife chart below for more information.

What type of recreation is available?

From primitive wilderness to off-road vehicle (OHV) riding, the National Forests in Florida offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. Due to the large number of OHV riders, the forests have the largest off-road trail systems in the region. The high number and diversity of campgrounds and day use areas also rank at the top of the National Forests in the region. See recreation chart below for detailed comparison.

What are some special features of the National Forests in Florida?

The Ocala boasts four pristine springs all perfect for snorkeling or swimming and is home to the remaining vestiges of the imperiled sand pine/scrub ecosystem. The Apalachicola has open, wet, grassy areas that are fragile savannahs providing refuge for an unusual combination of grasses and wildflowers, including delicate orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants. The forested woodlands and swamps of the Osceola are remnants of Florida in its original state.

For more information

Download the National Forests in Florida FACTS (pdf 590kb)

Questions?
Contact: Denise Rains, Public Affairs Officer, (850) 523-8568