Are Drones permitted in Washington Oaks Gardens State Park?
LAUNCHING and/or LANDING A DRONE IS PROHIBITED within Florida State Parks except in very rare circumstances. The portion of the Florida Administrative Code that governs the operation of Florida State Parks (Chapter 62D-2.014, F.A.C.) states:
The Florida Park Service includes drones in the category of "other aerial apparatus.” Currently, we do not have guest-accessible landing facilities in any Florida state park.
The primary reason for our very limited occasions of drone use (i.e., mainly as a tool for rescue or reviewing areas impacted by natural disaster) is because our mission as part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requires us to take into consideration the preservation of natural resources.
It has been observed that nesting birds view drones as potential predators and are likely to abandon nests or avoid otherwise ideal habitat areas if drones have been regularly spotted in those locations. We do not want this to occur within our park conservation areas, which are intended to be sanctuaries for our native wildlife.
LAUNCHING and/or LANDING A DRONE IS PROHIBITED within Florida State Parks except in very rare circumstances. The portion of the Florida Administrative Code that governs the operation of Florida State Parks (Chapter 62D-2.014, F.A.C.) states:
- (15) Aircraft. No person operating or responsible for any aircraft, glider, balloon, parachute or other aerial apparatus shall cause any such apparatus to take off from or land in any park except in an emergency when human life is endangered or where a designated landing facility may exist on park property.
The Florida Park Service includes drones in the category of "other aerial apparatus.” Currently, we do not have guest-accessible landing facilities in any Florida state park.
The primary reason for our very limited occasions of drone use (i.e., mainly as a tool for rescue or reviewing areas impacted by natural disaster) is because our mission as part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requires us to take into consideration the preservation of natural resources.
It has been observed that nesting birds view drones as potential predators and are likely to abandon nests or avoid otherwise ideal habitat areas if drones have been regularly spotted in those locations. We do not want this to occur within our park conservation areas, which are intended to be sanctuaries for our native wildlife.
Any Wedding / Engagement / Newlywed Photography must be reserved and permitted with the park at least 7 days in advance.
Please follow these photography guidelines while on Park property
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a photo-friendly state park. We have guidelines in place to preserve and protect our environmental resources and wildlife inhabitants.
- This policy applies to "still photography" taken by hand-held cameras or devices and to "video recordings", which are permitted on mobile phones or similarly small recording devices. Handheld cameras and camera phones are welcome in all public outdoor spaces, as well as inside our Visitor Center during normal operating hours. Cameras must be self-contained and may not draw on Park power sources.
- For Wedding/Engagement/Newlywed Photography, please visit HERE.
- Photography must take place during normal operating hours (8am-Sunset). Please adhere to the Park closing time. (See exact time at Ranger Station & Beach Access). Contact us for a Special Use Permit for unique photo sessions and before or after hours requests. Permits expire one hour prior to park closing.
- Please be thoughtful of your photography or video activities and respect the needs and privacy of other visitors. Photography must be conducted without disruption to other visitors. Visitor and Park Staff foot traffic and vehicle traffic may not be blocked at any time.
- Photographers, clients, guests and subjects must always remain on the designated paths. Do not stand, sit or climb in flower beds, defined grass beds, ponds, rocks, brick walls, railings or hang from trees, limbs, branches, walls, railings, or any other defined garden area, Park structure or feature.
- There are multiple benches throughout the Park for sitting and relaxing, but please do not stand on the benches. Do not move park benches, chairs or other objects from their locations.
- In order to preserve the sensitive, natural environment of the Park and to protect our wildlife inhabitants, confetti, rice, glitter, balloons, dropping silk flower petals or introduction of any foreign materials, or the release of live birds, butterflies or animals are prohibited.
- If backdrops, props or other equipment are to be used on Park property, please contact the Park for approval. Do not hang items, props or décor from the trees, plants, foliage and structures. Nails, push pins, staples, screws or any adhesive devices or materials to hang decorations or props are strictly prohibited.
- Do not pick any flowers, leaves or vegetation. Cutting or pulling of any plant, leaf or flower, including roses, is prohibited.
- Pets are NOT permitted in the Garden area or on the Beach.
- Due to the diversity of our visitors, only family-friendly photography is acceptable. Adult-oriented (18+) images are strictly prohibited. No expressed or implied nudity of any kind will be permitted.
- All persons/vehicles entering the Park for a photography session are required to pay the Park entrance fee upon arrival.
- Business may not be conducted on State Park property. All payment for photography sessions between the photographer and client(s) must occur elsewhere.
- Changing of clothing is not permitted inside the Visitor Center Museum or inside the Gift Shop.
- Food and drinks are PROHIBITED in the Formal Gardens.
- Alcohol is NOT permitted anywhere in the Park or on the Beach.
- The Park reserves the right to make renovations and modifications to its facilities at any time and is not liable for alteration or inconvenience to previously intended plans or events.
- The Park and its representatives assume no responsibility for any property placed in the facility or on the premises or any property that is left on the premises.
- Please contact us to request a permit for any professional and commercial projects. Commercial photography, videography and filming requests will be taken on a case-by-case basis and fees associated with commercial shoots will vary. Please contact us to request a Photography Permit Application Form.
- The Park reserves the right to prohibit photography in any area at any time. Failure to acquire the required permits, failure to adhere to guidelines or staff direction may result in termination of the photography session.
For more information: [email protected]
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