Chuck Hatcher Honored for Leadership of Florida State Parks
By: Shelia Mader
Florida State Parks Director Chuck Hatcher, a Jackson County native whose career began at the local level, was recognized at the Florida Capitol on February 4 during the 3rd Annual Florida State Parks Day, an event highlighting the ecological, recreational, and economic importance of the state’s park system.
Hatcher was honored alongside Representative Allison Tant and Senator Jason Brodeur during the event, which brought together legislators, state officials, and the Florida State Parks Foundation to celebrate Florida’s 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites. Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the continued success of the parks system, which has earned national recognition for both conservation and visitor experience.
Hatcher has served as director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks since July 2022, after acting in the role beginning in November 2021. In that position, he oversees one of the largest and most highly regarded state park systems in the country, managing properties that range from historic homes and coastal preserves to forests, springs, and wildlife corridors.
Before moving to the state level, Hatcher built his career in Jackson County, where he served as director of the county’s Parks and Recreation Department. During his tenure, he was credited with numerous improvements to local facilities and programs, earning a reputation for hands-on leadership and a strong commitment to conservation and public access.
Those priorities have continued to shape his work statewide. Under Hatcher’s leadership, Florida State Parks have seen record-breaking attendance and revenue, even as the system balances rapid growth with preservation. One of the most visible projects completed under his direction is the restoration of Orman House Historic State Park in Apalachicola, a long-awaited effort to preserve one of the Panhandle’s most significant historic sites.
In January 2026, Hatcher joined state officials for the grand opening of Shoal River Headwaters State Park in Walton County, a new 2,480-acre addition to the system. The park currently offers passive recreation such as hiking and wildlife viewing, with long-term plans under development that may include camping, paddling, and biking opportunities.
Hatcher is also leading efforts to expand protected lands across the state. In December 2025, he announced the expansion of the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve in Polk County, adding critical acreage that protects rare scrub and sandhill habitat within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
While expansion continues, one of the most pressing challenges facing the park system is infrastructure. Hatcher is overseeing a system-wide effort to address an estimated $760 million maintenance backlog across Florida’s parks. Governor DeSantis’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes $50 million dedicated to repairs and upgrades, including wastewater systems, campground renovations, and visitor center improvements.
Environmental stewardship remains a central focus of Hatcher’s leadership. Prescribed fire programs and habitat restoration projects are ongoing throughout the state, including longleaf pine restoration efforts and recent planting initiatives at Wakulla Springs. These programs are aimed at improving ecosystem health while reducing wildfire risk.
Hurricane recovery has also been a major part of the director’s workload. Parks such as T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and Bahia Honda State Park continue to undergo rehabilitation following storm damage, with work progressing to restore access while strengthening resilience against future storms.
For Hatcher, the recognition at Florida State Parks Day reflects both statewide accomplishments and deep local roots. His career path from Jackson County to the Capitol mirrors the broader mission of the park system itself: protecting local treasures while ensuring they remain accessible for generations to come.
