About Us
This is a four-day event normally held over the first full weekend every April (adjusted for Easter Sunday). Operating time is from 1200 UTC to 2359 UTC each day, Friday through Monday with NO overnight operation allowed from 8:00 PM to 7:59 AM the next morning. Most Florida parks open at 8:00 AM local time, and close at sundown. The operating time period of 8:00 AM – 7:59 PM (local time) each day should allow time to enter the park, set up a station, operate, and tear down in time to leave before park closing. See the rules page for more details.
The event was started in 2016 by a group of amateur radio operators from central Florida who love to get out and operate portable in our beautiful home state. In 2025 management of the event passed to the Tamiami Amateur Radio Club in Venice. It has always been held with the intent to:
Special recognition and thanks are given to Matt Stevens NJ4Y who created the first FLSPOTA event in 2016. Family and work obligations eventually did not allow Matt the time necessary in subsequent years to give his full attention to the event. In July 2025, Matt transferred control of the event to the Tamiami ARC in Venice, Fl.
- Promote public awareness of ham radio and Florida’s state parks system
- Contribute to the recognition and appreciation of Florida’s diverse ecology
- Encourage camaraderie and sportsmanship among Florida’s Amateur Radio Operators,
- Encourage youth (under 18) participation, and
- Provide a venue for Florida amateurs to get out and enjoy operating in the great outdoors.
Florida has an award-winning State Parks system featuring more that 170 park sites, including cultural centers, archeological digs, Civil War-era forts, wildlife preserves, and recreational areas – not to mention beaches! Be sure to visit floridastateparks.org for more information on camping, educational materials, park maps, and a complete list of parks organized by region.
Our messaging service at groups.io is where a lot of the planning and up-to-the minute information about the contest happens. Members can discuss planned activations, and exchange ideas about ways to make this event a success, not just here in Florida, but across the worldwide ham radio community. If there’s anything we can do to make it better, let us know!
