Florida: an accessible destination for all travelers

With extensive resources for people with special needs, visitors can come as they are and fully participate in experiences across the state, regardless of age or abilities.

North Florida
Along the turquoise waters of the Gulf Coast, six of South Walton's nine regional beaches are accessible according to Accessibility Standards issued pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Wheelchair-friendly mats are available at Ed Walline Regional Beach Access and beach wheelchairs specially designed for traversing soft sand are offered free of charge through the South Walton Fire District.

Accessible boats have arrived in Florida state parks. In November 2023, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park celebrated the launch of the Great Blue Heron, a wheelchair-accessible hybrid-electric boat offering the park's signature Wakulla River tour.

On Amelia Island, Omni Amelia Island Resort has created a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, Heron's Cove Adventure Golf, the resort's 18-hole mini golf course, is completely wheelchair accessible. Other accessibility features at the resort include guest rooms, showers, trails, restaurants and lounges, pool entrances, and spa and fitness center entrances.

Last year, Visit Jacksonville became the first destination marketing organization in Florida to earn the Certified Autism Center designation. This designation recognizes organizations that have trained their staff to better understand and meet the needs of autistic visitors and their families. In addition to operating three visitor centers, Visit Jacksonville offers autism and sensory training and certification for a selection of the city's attractions, hotels, and recreation and entertainment organizations.

Central Florida
The Sunshine State is home to several major theme parks and attractions, all of which have made great strides in improving accessibility for their visitors. Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have comprehensive guides for guests with special needs that align with American Disability Association guidelines. LEGOLANDIA, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Discovery Cove and Kennedy Space Center are certified autism centers.

At many of Florida's airports, including Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport, travelers with brain injuries, hearing loss, memory loss, asthma, diabetes or any other hidden disability that may not be visible to airport staff airport can receive additional assistance through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Passengers voluntarily carry a green sunflower product, which can be picked up at the airport, to signal to airport staff that they may need additional help, understanding or just a little more time.

Visit Tampa Bay has partnered with EnChroma to provide glasses that enhance the visual experience for red-green colorblind visitors. These special glasses are available at the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitor Center, allowing visitors to see the destination in its full spectrum.

South Florida
The City of Pompano Beach presents The ZENsory Zone Van, providing relief from the noise, lights and large crowds at all city-sponsored events. The van is equipped with air conditioning, low ambient lighting, multi-sensory seating, and sensory tools that create a safe space to regroup and decompress.

The Sabrina Cohen Foundation and the City of Miami Beach offer twice-monthly Adaptive Beach Days, a pop-up program that provides full-service access to the ocean with the help of trained staff and volunteers, access platforms, chairs beach wheels and other adaptive equipment. The success of the program has inspired the future development of an Adaptive Recreation Center, which will be the first waterfront facility on the East Coast serving exclusively people with mobility issues. The center will feature three floors of fitness and therapy spaces and a rooftop pool, plus full-service beach and aquatic activities.

At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, snorkeling and diving tours are offered at least twice a day. All tours have at least one boat equipped to accommodate wheelchair boarding, and guests can enter the water and snorkel or dive on their own or with the help of a companion.