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Since 2007, FPTA has worked to develop and protect Florida’s paddling trails.

What is the FPTA?

The Florida Paddling Trails Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2007 under the guidance of the Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways & Trails to be the steward for the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail that surrounds the state. In 2009, that stewardship was expanded to all Florida's water trails.

We are a statewide community of paddlers, clubs, outfitters, and other supporters who share a passion for exploring Florida's scenic waterways via canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Florida Paddling Trails Association is to support, improve, and maintain water trails, promote environmental protection along the trails, serve as a resource and voice for paddlers, and to promote paddling safety and education. The Association will be the nonprofit steward of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (FL CT), in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails and other local, regional, state, and federal entities.

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Pillars/Activities Supporting Our Mission

I. Support, Improve, and Maintain Water Trails

  • Support and maintain the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT) utilizing Trail Keepers and a network of coastal Trail Angels.

  • Document and publicize new and existing water trails, campsites, and launches.

  • Improve existing water trails.

  • Assist communities with developing paddling-based ecotourism programs

II. Promote Environmental Protection along those Trails

  • Facilitate statewide cleanups of rivers, lakes, springs, and coastal waterways.

  • Partner with organizations committed to stewardship of Florida waters.

III. Serve as a Resource and Voice for Paddlers

  • Develop a "one-stop shopping" website that has all kinds of information that paddlers need to plan their activities.

  • Build community among statewide paddlers through events, newsletters, and social media.

  • Build a statewide network of businesses that support paddlers.

  • Represent paddlers at state, county, and local working groups.

IV. Promote Paddling Safety and Education

  • Partner with agencies and organizations providing paddler safety education and skills training.

  • Develop the next generation of paddlers and waterways stewards through the Taylor Howard Youth Paddling Fund program.