• The Florida panther's watchful gaze- Courtesy- Ralph Arwood

    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Fire Activity

    Currently there is fire activity within the Preserve. More »

  • 2013 Zone 4 Closure

    Beginning at 12:01 am Monday, April 8, 2013, the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. More »

  • Interstate 75 Mile Marker 63 Closure

    Beginning summer of 2013 the rest area and backcountry access at mile marker 63 will be closed due to construction. More »

  • Campground Closures

    Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve. All other established campgrounds will be closed. More »

Commercial Use Authorization Application & Requirements

The Commercial Use Authorization authorizes out-of-park commercial services provided by commercial operators that originate and terminate their services outside of National Park Service boundaries. All advertisement, solicitation of business and acceptance of any form of compensation occurs outside NPS boundaries. Authorized services will have minimal impact on the Preserve's resources and values.

The following documents must be submitted to Special Use Permit Coordinator as part of the application package.

  1. Application
  2. Taxpayer Identification Number
  3. Include copies of business licensing
  4. Insurance coverage (declarations page and parts I & II)
  5. Permit fees ($100 non-refundable application fee payable to Big Cypress National Preserve)

Complete application packages can be sent to:

Big Cypress National Preserve
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
Attention: Commercial Services Coordinator

Did You Know?

A young alligator emerges from its egg.

Alligator hatching season is typically September through October in south Florida. A female can lay up to 50 eggs, about 45 of which will hatch, but only two or three will make it beyond the first two years of life.