Are you a nature enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about Florida’s amazing ecosystems, the plants and animals that live there, and the conservation issues they face? Are you an educator or ecotour guide looking to expand upon the information you share with others? Or maybe you’re a natural resources professional interested in professional development opportunities to expand your expertise into new areas. Regardless of your reasons, if you are interested in learning more about Florida’s natural world, the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) may be for you. The FMNP is an adult education program developed by the University of Florida that is provided by certified FMNP Instructors around the state. FMNP training is both fun and educational and will benefit people interested in learning more about Florida’s environment, seeking educational contact hours, or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, ecotourism guides, and others. The FMNP does not require volunteer service (this is not the Master Gardener program), but FMNP training has been recognized as excellent preparation for becoming an volunteer and in some cases, for employment. Most importantly, the FMNP has proven important to the people who participate for personal reasons, which includes expanding their knowledge of and engagement with Florida’s amazing natural world.  We could post many testimonials about the impact of the FMNP on people’s lives, but these three provide some excellent examples:

“Best thing I have ever done. I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and found meaningful ways to get involved.”  – Volunteer

“I’ve seen the elements of prime citizen science come alive in my own classroom after integrating principles and concepts I learned while in the course program.” –  Teacher

“FMNP allowed me to move from an enthusiastic volunteer and transition into a professional paid with notable contributions. Worth more than what I could have originally asked for!” – Professional

FMNP offers 11 different courses and FMNP Course Descriptions are available on the FMNP Website. There is not a regimented schedule for FMNP courses, which are planned and delivered by certified FMNP Instructors and posted on the FMNP Current Courses and registration page which is constantly changing (see current course listing below). Every course posted provides a detailed agenda that you can review prior to registering. FMNP courses are identified as being 100% in-person, 100% online (with self-directed field assignments), or as hybrid courses with online lectures and in-person field trips. We also offer various FMNP Scholarships for those who require assistance with registration costs.

We encourage you to have a look at the available FMNP courses and invite you to join us – we are confident you will be glad you did!

“Absolutely amazing class with fabulous instructors. I can’t recommend this enough! So much knowledge and excitement in one space…. I cannot wait to sign up for more!” – FMNP graduate

Current FMNP Course Offerings

Freshwater Systems

• Duval (4/28/25-6/09/25)

Coastal Systems

• Collier – hybrid (8/05/25-9/02/25)
• Leon – online (4/12/25-6/07/25)
• Pinellas (11/10/25-12/12/25)
• Sarasota – hybrid (3/31/25-4/28/25)

Upland Systems

• Lee (4/04/25-4/25/25)
• Pinellas (4/25/25-5/09/25)

Habitat Evaluation

• Leon – online (6/27/25-8/08/25)

Coastal Shoreline Restoration

• Miami-Dade- hybrid (4/25/25-5/13/25)

For more information see www.MasterNaturalist.org
or contact us at fmnpcoordinator@gmail.com.

• Current course offerings and where – LINK
• Descriptions of FMNP courses – LINK
• FMNP scholarships – LINK
• Statewide network Certified FMNP Instructors – LINK
• FMNP manuals – LINK

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