Frequently Asked Questions
How many people participate?
Can I go for less than a week?
What does my registration fee include?
How much does it cost?
Do I need to be an experienced paddler?
What do I need to bring?
Where do we camp?
Do I need to bring food?
Where do I leave my car?
How can I get a copy of Paddle Florida's W-9 form?


How many people participate? In cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the cooperating water management districts, we limit the number of paddlers. The limits are set by the FDEP both to minimize the impact on natural resources and available facilities along the routes. Typically, tour limits are from 100 to 200 paddlers.
Can I go for less than a week? On the longer trips, yes. Our Paddle Florida Lite option allows paddlers who are unable to participate for a full week to come for any portion of the trip for $60/day, with an optional $30/day meal package (fees subject to change). Thru-paddlers (week-long) have first priority for registration. Paddle Florida will accept up to the maximum number of thru-paddlers allowed on any particular trip. Any remaining space will be available for Paddle Florida Lite registration. Paddle Florida Lite participants must make separate arrangements for put-ins and take-outs.
What does my registration fee include? Paddle Florida thru-paddler and Lite registration fees include a T-shirt, boat decal, camping, maps and river descriptions, and entertainment/activities. Bathroom facilities will be provided at all campsites and showers at most campsites. Optional (but highly recommended) Meal packages are separate and in addition to the registration fee.
How much does it cost? Paddle Florida registration fees are a great value compared to many other touring packages. Costs vary depending on the selected tour. Full Meal Deal packages provide full, breakfasts and dinners and nourishing lunches at a reasonable price (varies, depending on trip location and length). Paddle Florida Lite registration and meal package fees are charged per day and (subject to change are $60/day with a $30/day meal package.
Do I need to be an experienced paddler? No. You do not need to be an expert, but you do need some experience. If you are new to paddling, we ask that you take the basic canoe/kayak instruction offered on the day prior to the journey’s launch. The distance of each day’s journey and the difficulty of the river are generally suitable for novice paddlers. Paddle Florida's open water trips, such as The Keys weekend paddle, are not recommended for those with no experience.
What do I need to bring? You are responsible for bringing a canoe or kayak, paddles and a personal floatation device (PFD) and a whistle for each paddler. Paddle Florida does not supply or rent boats. See the Outfitters page for a list of outfitters to secure your rental boat for the trip. Paddlers must also bring standard camping gear including a tent and personal items. Camp gear is limited to 40 pounds and two bags per person. Items we would rather you leave behind include chaise lounges, framed bedding/cots, plastic boxes without tops. Please make sure all luggage is labeled and secure.
Where do we camp? Tent camping will be by the river in State Parks or at nearby similar facilities. Bathroom facilities will be available at all campsites and shower facilities at most campsites.
Do I need to bring food? Breakfast and dinner will be provided for a fee each day (see "How much does it cost" above) and lunch stops on the river will provide you with all you care to eat. You may choose to bring your own lunch food and snacks . A menu and meal plan registration form is available on-line elsewhere on this website. You are strongly encouraged to make use of the meals provided at the campsites.
Where do I leave my car? Paddle Florida encourages thru-paddlers (those paddling the whole week) to take advantage of the kick-off day and river’s end shuttles provided at a nominal additional fee. Where parking is available, the kick-off day shuttle allows participants to leave their vehicles at the final destination and be shuttled along with boats and gear to the trip’s starting point. The River’s End shuttle allows participants to leave their vehicles at the trip’s starting point and be shuttled along with boats and gear back to the starting point. Your camping gear will be shuttled between campsites each day, allowing you to travel light on the river. If you choose not to use the provided shuttles, you make your own arrangements.
How can I get a Paddle Florida W-9 form?Download the W-9 from this link.