Despite rapid development, Florida preserves a massive amount of unique wilderness, characterized by wetlands, pine flatwoods, and coastal ecosystems.
**National Parks:** * **Everglades National Park:** A UNESCO World Heritage site and an unparalleled "River of Grass" protecting vital habitats for the Florida panther, American crocodile, and manatee. * **Dry Tortugas National Park:** Accessible only by boat or seaplane, featuring the massive coastal fortress Fort Jefferson and pristine coral reefs. * **Biscayne National Park:** A unique park that is 95% underwater, protecting Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs.
**State Parks & Wildlife:** Florida's award-winning state park system includes **Silver Springs** (famous for glass-bottom boats), **John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park** (the first undersea park in the US), and **Myakka River State Park**. The state is deeply committed to protecting native wildlife, including the beloved West Indian Manatee, which flocks to warm natural springs during winter months.