• 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 »

  • Campfire Ban in Effect.

    Due to severe fire conditions campfires restrictions are currently in place. 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 »

  • 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 »

Doing Business With The Preserve

Various activities in the Preserve require permits or other regulation. For a better idea of activities that might be subject to regulation, click on the links below for more information and contacts.

Contracting with the NPS

Special Park Use Permits
Permits are required for short-term activities which take place within the Preserve; provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and are activities which are not prohibited by law or regulation. Special uses require written authorization and some degree of management control from the NPS in order to protect resources and the public interest.

Examples of special park uses include weddings, first-amendment activities, events such as a bike race or meeting, group activities for groups of 20 or more participants, and non-profit organization activities.

For further information, please contact the Permit Coordinator at (239) 695-1153 or click here to e-mail. The application can be accessed with a direct link below.

Research and Collection Permits

Filming Permits

Providing Commercial Visitor Services
As in any other National Park Service unit, commercial visitor services may be provided only by those holding an authorization from the NPS. Larger visitor service operations are provided under concession contracts. Smaller, single-service businesses are issued Commercial Use Authorization, if certain requirements are met.

Special Event Permits

First Amendment Activities

Did You Know?

A purple galinule walking along spadder dock.

The purple galinule though one of the most colorful birds in Big Cypress, is often well camouflaged. Look carefully along canal edges and gator holes for this beautiful bird. Many of the surrounding colors blend well with the birds feathers.