The Sunshine State has made significant investments in improving accessibility for travellers with diverse abilities.
With extensive resources for people with special needs, visitors of all ages and abilities can participate in experiences across the state.
North Florida
Along the turquoise waters of the Gulf Coast, six of South Walton’s nine regional beach accesses are ADA accessible. Wheelchair-friendly mats are available at the Ed Walline Regional Beach Access and beach wheelchairs specially designed to traverse soft sand are offered free of charge through the South Walton Fire District.
Accessible boats have docked at Florida State Parks. In November 2023, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park celebrated the launch of Great Blue Heron, a wheelchair-accessible hybrid-electric boat offering the park’s signature Wakulla River tour.
On Amelia Island, the Omni Amelia Island Resort has created a welcoming and accessible environment for all to enjoy. Heron’s Cove Adventure Golf, the resort’s 18-hole miniature golf course, is completely wheelchair accessible. Other accessibility features at the resort include guest rooms, showers, routes, restaurants and lounges, pool entrances and the spa and fitness center entrances.
Last year, Visit Jacksonville became Florida's first destination marketing organization to earn the Certified Autism Center designation. This designation recognizes organizations that have undergone staff training 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 to a selection of the city's attractions, hotels, recreation and entertainment organizations.
Central Florida
The Sunshine State is home to several major theme parks and attractions, all of which have made strides to improve accessibility for their guests. Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have comprehensive guides for guests with special needs that align with the American Disability Association’s guidelines. LEGOLAND, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Discovery Cove and Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex are Certified Autism Centers.
At many of Florida’s airports, including Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport, travellers with brain injuries, hearing loss, memory loss, asthma, diabetes, or any number of other hidden disabilities that may not be outwardly noticeable to airport staff can receive extra assistance through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Passengers voluntarily wear a green sunflower product - which can be picked up at the airport - to indicate to airport staff that they may require additional assistance, understanding or just a little more time.
Visit Tampa Bay has teamed up with EnChroma to provide glasses to enhance the visual experience for red-green color-blind visitors. These special glasses are available at the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center, allowing guests to see the destination in full spectrum.
South Florida
The City of Pompano Beach introduced The ZENsory Zone Van, which provides relief from 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 which create a safe space to regroup and decompress.
The Sabrina Cohen Foundation and the City of Miami Beach feature twice monthly Adaptive Beach Days, a pop-up program that provides full-service access into the ocean with the help of trained staff and volunteers, access decks, beach wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. The success of the program has inspired the future development of an Adaptive Recreation Center, which will be the first oceanfront facility on the east coast catering exclusively to individuals with mobility challenges. The center will feature three floors of fitness and therapy spaces and a rooftop pool, plus full-service beachside and water activities.
At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, snorkeling and scuba diving tours are offered at least twice daily. All tours have at least one vessel equipped to accommodate the boarding of wheelchairs, and guests are able to enter the water and snorkel or scuba dive on their own or with the assistance of a companion.
For more information about accessible travel in Florida, click here. To access a selection of photos provided by destination partners, click here.
