Florida is flat, green and warm, which makes it easy to walk, run and ride most of the year. What gets in the way is the midday heat, the afternoon thunderstorms and, now and then, a hurricane. Plan around those, and you can stay active here for very little money.
At a glance
Free state trails: the Withlacoochee
Florida’s state trails are a good place to start, because some charge nothing at all. The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 47-mile paved rail-trail through Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, between Citrus Springs and Dade City [2]. Florida State Parks lists it as “No fee required,” open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year [2]. The state calls it one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida, and says its flat ground suits every skill and fitness level for walking, running, cycling and skating [2].
The Pinellas Trail
On the Gulf Coast, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail runs 47 miles from downtown St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs [3]. Pinellas County keeps it open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset [3].
One safety feature is worth knowing. Nearly 700 numbered markers sit on the pavement every 200 to 300 feet. If you need help, give the number on the nearest marker to the 911 operator so responders can find you [3].
Florida State Parks passes
Day-use fees vary by park. If you go often, an annual pass covers entry at the parks.
| Pass | Price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $60 | The named pass holder; others with them pay $2 each at most parks |
| Family | $120 | Up to 8 people entering together |
| Active duty and honorably discharged veterans | 25% off | Either pass |
| Honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities | Free | Lifetime pass, same benefits as a family pass |
A few details from the park service [1]:
- A pass is good for one year from the month you buy it.
- Buying at a park ranger station avoids the online fees.
- Free lifetime passes also go to surviving spouses and parents of service members who fell in combat, and of Florida law enforcement officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty.
- The family pass works for up to two people at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs, and gets a 33% discount at Skyway Fishing Pier.
- Passes don’t cover camping, boat tours, tubing or special events.
Orlando: a city gym for under $100 a year
The City of Orlando sells a fitness center membership for $90.53 a year, good at nine neighborhood centers: Grand Avenue, College Park, Dover Shores, Engelwood, Dr. James R. Smith, John H. Jackson, Northwest, Rosemont and Wadeview [4]. City residents 65 and older can use those centers, plus the Beardall and L. Claudia Allen senior centers, for free [4].
The city also has free outdoor fitness stations in its parks. Its website lists their locations [5].
Beat the heat: go early or late
The City of Orlando’s heat guidance tells residents to do outdoor activities such as “going for a jog” in the morning or later in the evening, to look for shade, and to stay hydrated while limiting alcohol and caffeine [6]. The trail hours above line up with that: the Pinellas Trail opens at 7 a.m. and the Withlacoochee at 8 a.m.
Lightning: the Florida afternoon problem
Summer afternoons in Florida often bring thunderstorms. The National Weather Service says “there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area,” and its rule is “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” [7]. If you hear thunder on a trail, cut the workout short and get inside.
Hurricane season
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 [8]. Before and after a storm, parks and trails may close for damage or flooding. Check the park or county’s notices before you go, and stay off trails with downed lines or standing water.
Alligators near the water
Many Florida trails pass lakes, rivers and canals. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says alligators “are most active between dusk and dawn.” It advises swimming only in marked swimming areas during daylight hours, and keeping pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge [9]. If an alligator worries you, call FWC’s Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) [9].
How much activity adults need
The CDC says adults need 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening work on at least two days [10]. Vigorous activity counts about twice as much per minute [10]. Five 30-minute brisk walks on a state trail would meet the 150-minute weekly target, alongside muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days.
Sources
- Florida State Parks, Florida State Parks annual pass
- Florida State Parks, Withlacoochee State Trail
- Pinellas County, Pinellas Trail guide
- City of Orlando, Fitness centers
- City of Orlando, Find an outdoor fitness station
- City of Orlando, Prepare for extreme heat
- National Weather Service, Lightning safety
- National Weather Service, Hurricane safety
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gator safety (March 25, 2025)
- CDC, Physical activity guidelines for adults
Common questions
How much is a Florida State Parks annual pass?
$60 for an individual pass and $120 for a family pass, which covers up to eight people entering together. Buying online adds a $6 convenience fee and $10 shipping.
Do veterans get a discount on Florida state park passes?
Yes. Active duty members and honorably discharged veterans get 25% off annual passes. Veterans with service-connected disabilities can get a free lifetime pass with the same benefits as a family pass.
Is the Withlacoochee State Trail free?
Yes. Florida State Parks lists no fee for the 47-mile paved trail, which is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day.
Is there a cheap gym in Orlando?
The City of Orlando sells a fitness center membership for $90.53 a year at nine neighborhood centers. City residents 65 and older can use them free.