Florida State Parks has announced the winners of its 2025 Capture the Real Florida Photo Contest, which drew thousands of entries from across the state. The contest recognized photographers in five categories: Landscapes, Waterscapes, Wildlife, Park Adventures, and Historic Encounters—a category added this year to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
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 were:
– 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—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, these photos will be displayed at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park during its Winter Waterland celebration.
Florida’s 175 award-winning state parks offer opportunities for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The photo contest is held with support from Tyler Technologies, which manages reservations for overnight stays across Florida’s state parks.
Photographers can begin capturing images starting January 1, 2026. The submission portal will open in November 2026 to allow participants time throughout the year to find their best shots.
The Florida Park Service has received four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management—the only four-time winner nationwide—with awards from 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019. More information about Florida’s state parks can be found at www.FloridaStateParks.org.
For further details on the contest results or park information visit https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/3fe6d71.
