No, parishes in Jamaica are not equivalent to states in America. Parishes in Jamaica are administrative divisions that serve similar functions to counties in the United States. Jamaica is divided into 14 parishes, each with its own local government structure responsible for managing local affairs such as public services, infrastructure, and planning.

In contrast, states in America are much larger political subdivisions with significant autonomy and authority over their own governance, laws, and regulations. States in the United States have their own constitutions, legislatures, and governors, and they share sovereignty with the federal government under the U.S. Constitution.

While parishes and states both represent regional divisions within their respective countries, states in America generally have greater political and legal authority compared to parishes in Jamaica.