Having lived in Florida all my life this is weird. It's so easy to take a day trip to the beach and it just costs gas (pack a lunch, water and lots of sunscreen).
That being said, we have some beautiful state parks in Florida (great springs, rivers, camping etc) which charge entrance fees. Some parks have a once-a-year "free day", and it's great to see so many people out and enjoying the outdoors. Not at all like the "beach version of public housing", as one commentor rudely claimed above.