A Citizen Support Organization, or CSO, aims to "operate for the direct or indirect benefit of the state park system or individual units of the state park system" (Section 258.015, F.S.). In other words, the primary purpose of a CSO is to support the mission of the Florida Park Service and assist a park in accomplishing its goals.

The Florida Park Service is not supported by the state of Florida's general revenue fund. State parks are supported primarily by park-generated revenue from entrance fees, overnight accommodations, and concession operations. These provide more than two-thirds of the operating costs of state parks. The other one-third of the state parks' operating budget comes from revenue generated by documentary stamps through real estate transactions. CSOs are an additional vital resource of fundamental support.

CSOs generate a valuable source of additional support. They can conduct programs and activities, raise funds, seek and receive grants, and accept gifts or donations on behalf of their host park.