Florida State Parks has announced the winners of its 2025 Capture the Real Florida Photo Contest. The annual contest recognizes outstanding photographs taken in state parks, with awards given in five categories: Landscapes, Waterscapes, Wildlife, Park Adventures, and Historic Encounters. The last category was introduced this year to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
Thousands of entries from across Florida highlighted the unique locations and wildlife found throughout the state’s park system. Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks, said, “Every year, our visitors capture breathtaking moments that remind us why our state parks are among the most treasured places in the country. Thank you to everyone who shared their images. I invite all Floridians to get out and discover our state parks and maybe even grab that perfect shot.”
The Grand Prize winners for each category are as follows:
– Landscapes: Shane Carrol for “Not Alone” at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park in Sanderson.
– Waterscapes: Dawn Campbell for “Early Dawn” at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala.
– Wildlife: Michelle Huguet for “Eyes of the Forest” at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota.
– Park Adventures: Heather Bossowski for “A Camp Sunrise at Gamble Rogers” at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach.
– Historic Encounters: Valleri Ames for “Echoes of Bulow Plantation” at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park in Ormond Beach.
All winning photos—including Grand Prize, Runner-Up, and People’s Choice selections—are available on the Photo Contest webpage. Each Grand Prize winner received a $1,000 B&H Photo gift card, a Florida State Parks Annual Pass, a stand-up paddleboard, and a hammock.
Starting this month, the winning photographs will be exhibited at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park during its Winter Waterland celebration.
Florida manages 175 award-winning state parks, trails, and historic sites that provide opportunities for photography enthusiasts. The photo contest is organized in collaboration with Tyler Technologies, which supplies the reservation system used by visitors booking overnight stays at Florida’s state parks.
Photographers can begin taking pictures for next year’s contest starting January 1, 2026. The submission portal will open in November 2026 to allow participants time to prepare their best work. Florida State Parks encourages people to explore natural areas and submit their own perspectives of what makes these places special.
