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The superintendent's compendium (13.5 MB pdf) is a compilation of special designations, closures, public use limits, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the superintendent, in addition to what is contained in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Chapter 1, Parts 1-7 and 34) (3.69 MB pdf), and other applicable federal statutes and regulations.
(a)(1) Visiting hours, public use limits, closures. and areas designated for specific use or activities . VISITING HOURS
Big Cypress National Preserve: is open 24-hours-per-day, with the following exceptions:
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center: is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Closed Christmas Day
Oasis Visitor Center: is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Closed Christmas Day
Big Cypress National Preserve Headquarters: is generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Kirby Storter Boardwalk: day use area is open one hour before dawn and closes one hour after sunset
H.P. Williams Boardwalk: day use area is open one hour before dawn and closes one hour after sunset
Turner River Canoe Launch: day use area is open one hour before dawn and closes one hour after sunset
Determination: Preserve visitor contact stations are open based upon personnel availability and may be closed on holidays. Areas are closed at night for the security of facilities. Overnight parking, night hikes and stargazing may be authorized with prior permission.
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and Seminole Tribe of Florida religious sites are closed to public use and the closure extends 1/2 mile around designated sites.
Determination: This regulation ensures that local federally recognized Native American tribes can conduct religious and ceremonial activities with privacy. The National Park Service and Big Cypress National Preserve have additional legislative obligations beyond the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Big Cypress National Preserve is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Definition: The term "uncrewed aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quad copter, drones) that are used for any purposes, including recreation or commerce.
Determination: The prohibition will minimize potential environmental and/or public safety impacts of unmanned aircraft use. The Preserve provides important wildlife habitat. Unmanned aircraft can disturb wildlife, including species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, and other federal and state laws and regulations.
The following areas are closed to motorized vessels and airboats:
Turner River Canoe Trail: north and south of Highway 41
Determination: The General Management Plan (GMP) designates this section of the Turner River as a canoe trail, and this closure ensures that conflicts of use with motorized vessels will not occur.
Preserve borrow pits: Only non-motorized boats are permitted in Preserve borrow pits.
Determination: This closure isimplemented to mitigate safety hazards associated with operation of motorized vessels on a smallbody of water and to reduce noise impacts in campground areas..
The following areas are closed to hunting, shooting, and dressing of game:
All designated developed campgrounds that include; Bear Island, Pink Jeep, Gator head, Midway, Monument, Pinecrest, Mitchells Landing, and Burns Lake campgrounds
Oasis Visitor Center
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center
Big Cypress National Preserve Headquarters Complex
Environmental Education Field Use Areas on Birdon Road
Loop Road Ranger Station
Kirby Storter Boardwalk
HPWilliams
Boat ramps at Sea Grape Drive,Dona Drive and Turner River Canoe Launch
Loop Road Environmental Education Center and hiking trail
Birdon Road Environmental Education Hiking trail and picnic area
Deep Lake Fire Operation Center
The boundary of the NO SHOOTING, NO HUNTING, and NO DRESSING GAME zone for these areas is 1600 feet (0.3 miles) from the perimeter of stated facility.
Determination: This restriction will help prevent aconflict of use and potential visitor safety issuesby preventing the discharge of weapons in close proximity to occupied areas. It will also help prevent wildlife interactions, and nuisance behavior of wildlife in campgrounds.
Turner River canal from the bridge on U.S. Highway 41 to 1/10-mile north
Fishing on the canal on the north side of U.S. Highway 41 in front of the Oasis Visitor Center for a distance of 200 yards and east and west from the midpoint located opposite of the front doors of the building.
Fishing is prohibited from all wildlife viewing boardwalks including:
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center Boardwalk
Oasis Visitor Center Boardwalk
Kirby Storter Boardwalk
H.P. WilliamsBoardwalk
• Fishing is prohibited in borrow pits within all developed campgrounds (Burns Lake Campground, Gator Head Campground, Midway Campground, Monument Lake Campground).
Determination: This prohibition is for public use and safety and reduces the possibility of alligators becoming habituated to human presence, of their being fed by humans through the discarding of bait or unwanted catch, and the disturbance of alligator behavior in an area set aside for the viewing of wildlife in a natural state.
Determination: This prohibition reduces the possibility of alligators that may have become habituated to human presence from presenting a safety problem. Additionally, the borrow pits have little or no sloping shoreline but do have steep drop offswhich create an additional hazard in their use.
Preserve Headquarters Complex,except for official business during posted hours
Oasis Visitor Center Complex
Airstrip
Aviation Hanger
Maintenance and Living Areas
Loop Road Education Center
Environmental Education Field Use Areas on Birdon Road (closed Oct.1st-Apr.1st)
Fire Operations Center
Deep Lake Fire building
Employee residential areas
Eleven Mile Road (Access by vehicles of mineral owners shall be limited to activities directly associated with pursuing or protecting mineral interests and they must use citizen band radios at designated intervals).
Determination: These areas are closed to public use for the security and safety of the residents and operational needs.Eleven Mile Road and its authorized uses are restricted in order to mitigate safety and enhance environmental protection. Reference Florida Statute 68A-11.007 – Eleven- Mile Rd, Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.See specific sections in this document for additional information regarding designated areas and conditions for engaging in certain activities.
CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS ON A USE OR ACTIVITY
§ 1.5-Closures and public use limits.
§ 1.5(a)(2) Designated areas, conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.
Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Activity
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public.
Uses hand-carried equipment only.
Does not require exclusive use of a site.
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
Filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves more than eight individuals or does not meet any of the conditions above requires a permit, unless it is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a permit. To apply for a permit in Big Cypress, please email e-mail us
Determination: Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity.
36 CFR 1.6(f) – Activities that require a permit.
§ 1.5(a)(2) Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depending upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information).
§2.5 Collecting research specimens
§2.6 Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes.
§2.12 Operating a power saw in developed areas
§2.12 Operating a portable motor or engine in undeveloped areas
§2.12 Operating a public address system
§2.17 Air delivery
§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services.
§2.38 Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents, or explosive materials, including fireworks
§2.50 Special events
§2.51 Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people
§2.52 Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people
§2.61 Residing on federal lands
§2.62(b) Scattering of human ashes
§3.12 Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider, or other airborne device
§3.19 Operation of a submersible
§5.1 Commercial notices or advertisements
§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business.
§5.7 Construction of any building, structure, facility, road, trail, or airstrip on federal lands
§7.86 Off-road motorized vehicle use
§9.9(a) Mining operations or an approved Plan of Operations (in lieu of permit)
Only dead wood lying on the ground may be collected as fuel for campfires within the Preserve. This wood cannot be removed from the Preserve.
Determination: There are sufficient quantities of dead wood on the ground so that this use is not environmentally detrimental. If monitoring indicates an adverse effect is occurring, this will be revised.
Citrus fruits and bananas may be collected for personal consumption.
The picking of palmetto berries is prohibited.
Determination: This designation serves to provide the broadest use and enjoyment of the Preserve in the least restrictive manner so long asthereis no adverse effect.
The Preserve is closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light, except that artificial lights may be used during frogging activities and invasive reptile activities.
Determination: Wildlife viewing with an artificial light may disrupt natural wildlife activities and condition wildlife to human presence. This regulation also provides increased protection of wildlife from poaching activity.
Determination: An alligator may attempt to capture and eat a struggling fish on the end of a fishing line. The alligator may pursue the fish onto shore as it isreeled in. Alligators that have been thrown food/fish or have caught afish on the end of afishing line may demonstrate this behavior. Such closure will be for human life safety and preservation of wildlife.
Check in time is after 1 pm, check out time is before 12 Noon
Campground quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am
6 people per site at all campgrounds except for Pinecrest Group Campground.
Camping is limited to one RV and one tent, or two tents per campsite.
Only two vehicles per site are authorized except for Pinecrest Group Campground.
At Pinecrest Group Campground, 15 people are allowed per site with up to 4 vehicles (only two of which can be an RV).
ORVs are not counted as vehicles for the purpose of this section.
ORV use is prohibited within Front Country campgrounds. Exceptions for Bear Island and Burns Lake to travel to and from ORV trail heads.
Determination: These campsites are designated in accordance with the General Management Plan. Use limits on campgrounds and campsites are established to minimize resource impacts, visitor conflict and site degradation.
The Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) campsites are closed to public use.
Determination: The VIP sites are not designated camping sites for public use; they are reserved in order to support Preserve operations.
RV camping in the Preserve is allowed at these designated campgrounds:
Bear Island Campground
Monument Lake Campground
Burns Lake Campground
Midway Campground
Mitchell’s Landing Campground
Pinecrest Group Campground
Backcountry Camping:
Backcountry tent camping is prohibited, except at the following campgrounds within:
The Bear Island Unit:
Gator Head (9 sites)
Pink Jeep (9 sites)
In Zone 4 at designated campsites 1-16 along designated airboat trails.
Determination: These restrictions are established in accordance with the General Management Plan to minimize resource impacts and site degradation. Camping equipment may not be left unattended when the user is not actively occupying the site overnight, regardless of hunting season.
Length of Stay Restrictions:
No person, party, or organization may camp in the Preserve for more than 120 days in a calendar year.
No person, party, or organization may camp in designated campgrounds for more than 14 consecutive days.
Once the daily limit has been reached for each time period in designated campgrounds, the person, party, or organization must vacate or move to another designated campground.
Except during hunting seasons, no person, party, or organization shall be permitted to camp in the Preserve backcountry for more than 14 days in a 30-day period.
For the periods indicated below, the specific dates for each hunting season can be found in the WMA brochure at www.myfwc.com:
Archery Season
Muzzle Loading Gun Season
General Gun Season
Spring Turkey Season
Individuals occupying a backcountry camp site may bring camping equipment onto the Preserve after 8:00 a.m. one day before the opening of the specific season and must remove camping equipment from the Preserve before 6:00 p.m. one day after the specific seasons end.
Individuals who leave their hunting equipment in the backcountry for longer than 24 hours must visibly mark the equipment with their identification (name, address, telephone number). It must be clearly visible with or on the hunting equipment.
Length of stay restrictions may be extended with permission through the Chief Ranger’s office based upon availability and consideration of other management responsibilities.
Determination: The use of the backcountry for extended periods of time has been a traditional activity in the Preserve. Length of stay restrictions allow for extended occupancy and unattended property rules that coincide with the established hunting periods.These periods will be adjusted annually as season dates are established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In order to reduce inconvenience to primitive weapons hunters, equipment may be left between archery, muzzle loading, general gun seasons.
All food, lawfully taken fish or wildlife products, and equipment used to cook or store food must be kept sealed inside an enclosed vehicle (e.g., not in the bed of a pickup truck), or in a camping unit that is constructed of solid, non-pliable material (e.g., not tents or popups), or suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a tree trunk or shall be stored inside a bear resistant food locker provided at campgrounds, or in certified Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) bear resistant containers.
Determination: The intent of these designations is to prevent wildlife from obtaining and habituating to food and garbage, thus protecting wildlife and Preserve visitors alike.
A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.
Campfires are allowed in developed campgrounds (Burns Lake Campground, Gator Head Campground, Midway Campground, Monument Lake Campground) in the provided fire rings.
For dispersed backcountry camping, one fire no larger than 2.6 ft. in diameter is allowed per site.
Campfires must be attended at all times.
Fires shall be completely extinguished prior to leaving the campsite.
Fires in Residential Areas
Fires in residential areas must be contained in a fire ring no larger than 2.6 ft. in diameter.
Superintendent approval is required for all fires or burning outside of fire rings. Burning vegetation, brush piles, and yard waste outside of a fire ring is prohibited unless conducted under an NPS-approved burn plan.
Determination: The south Florida ecosystem experiences high wildfire fire danger. These designations and conditions will minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires. The restrictions on fuel sources are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.
Pets are not permitted on established trails, boardwalks, or in the backcountry, except that private landowners may transport dogs to their private property via a designated route as authorized by a Special Use Permit (SUP).
Determination: This restriction serves to protect wildlife and visitors.
§2.15(a)(5) Pets - Pet Excrement
Visitors are responsible for disposing of excrement from their pets.
Excrement must be collected and disposed of in sealed containers or bags and placed into a designated garbage can.
Determination: Proper disposal of pet waste through collection and disposal ensures water quality, public health and aesthetic values.
§2.16(b) Horses and pack animals - designated areas of use
NPS regulations define “pack animal” to include horses, burros and mules.
The use of pack animals is allowed, except on the Florida Trail and in developed areas such as visitor center parking areas, campgrounds, or picnic areas.
Determination: The use of horses and pack animals in the Preserve is limited by field conditions and has not been shown to impact resources.The use of horses and pack animals on the Florida Trail would create a conflict of use with hikers, for whom the trail is designed and authorized.
Owners of pack animals must scatter all manure dropped at trailheads.
Pack animals must be fed only weed-free feed.
Tying pack animals to live trees or other plants is prohibited if the tying causes damage to vegetation.
Determination: The scattering of manure promotes rapid decomposition and reduces odors. Weed- free feed will help to prevent the spread of exotic plants. Tying horses or pack animals to live trees or plants presents a heightened risk of resource damage, which is a violation.
Visitors may use roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, and other coasting vehicles on Dona Drive and Seagrape Drive.
The use of roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, and other coasting vehicles by NPS quarters occupants or their guests is allowed in the Preserve residential areas.
Determination: This extends additional recreational opportunities to visitors and residents without adversely affecting resources or other visitors.
Smoking, vaping, and using smokeless tobacco are prohibited in all interior spaces of all Government facilities (shared housing/quarters, refer to Preserve housing management plan) and within all Government motor vehicles (including heavy equipment, aircraft, and watercraft) owned, leased, or controlled by the National Park Service.
Smoking and vaping is prohibited within 25 feet of a public building. Smoking is prohibited within 100 feet of the Preserve’s fuel and aviation gas storage facilities.
Determination: These restrictions are intended to protect public safety from fire or explosion around fuel storage and dispensing facilities and to comply with State and Federal law. The restrictions on smoking and vaping are consistent with NPS policy in Policy Memorandum 15-03 and Director’s Order #50D
Visitors involved in extended backcountry use, e.g., hunting or hiking on the Florida Trail, may leave their vehicles and trailers unattended in the designated parking access area for the duration of their trip.
An individual may leave tree stands or similar devices unattended for the duration of the following specific hunting seasons, as stated in the WMA brochure at www.myfwc.com:
Archery Season
Muzzle Loading Gun Season
General Gun Season
Spring Turkey Season
Individuals may bring equipment into the Preserve after 8:00 a.m., one day before the opening of the specific season, and must remove the equipment from the Preserve before 6:00 p.m., one day after the specific season ends.
Individuals who leave their tree stands and similar equipment unattended for longer than 24 hours must mark the equipment with their identification (name, address, telephone number).
Determination: The use of the backcountry for extended periods of time has been a traditional activity in the Preserve. These allowance establishes extended unattended property guidelines which coincide with the established hunting periods. These periods will be adjusted annually as season dates are established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages by the public is prohibited within
Headquarters offices,
Oasis Visitor Center,
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center,
Fire Operations Center and parking areas.
Determination: These areas are where the public engages in business with the government or participates in educational opportunities. Alcohol consumption under these circumstances is inappropriate.
§ 2.51(c)(2) Designated available park areas.
The lawns adjacent to the Oasis Visitor Center and the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center are designated assembly areas available for demonstrations and the sale and distribution of printed material, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items.
The following areas are designated as boat launch areas:
The following areas are designated as boat launch areas:
Canoes/kayaks/non-powered boats
Turner River Canoe Launch
Dona Drive boat ramp
Seagrape Drive boat ramp
Carnestown Corner boat launch at Hwy 29 and Hwy 41
I-75, MM51 boat launch
Any open body of water accessible to a hand-carried or dolly-equipped boat.
Motorized boats
Dona Drive boat ramp
Seagrape Drive boat ramp
Carnestown Corner boat launch at Hwy 29 and Hwy 41
I-75, MM51 boat launch
Determination: Designated launch areas minimize environmental impact by concentrating activity in an area that can be properly maintained. They also ensure public safety by providing areas with sufficient space to allow the launch/retrieval operation to occur without adversely impacting other area traffic.
Loop Road: 25 mph on unpaved, 30 mph on paved, 15 mph in curves
Mahogany Drive: 15 mph
Satinwood Drive: 15 mph
Determination: Speed limits on Dona Drive, Mahogany Drive, and Satinwood Drive, which are residential areas, help ensure the safety of visitors and residents. Oil roads are used by heavy vehicles, many of which are hauling petroleum products, with limited stopping capability and located in Florida panther habitat. Speed limits will result in appropriate resource and visitor protection.
Bear Island Grade including within the Addition Lands
Fire Prairie Trail
Noble's Grade Trail
Determination: Bicycle use is extended to ORV routes and two other locations suitable for their use.E-bikes are allowed in Big Cypress National Preserve where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited.
36 CFR PART 7 SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
§ 7.86 (a)(2) Motorized Vehicles – Travel in Preserve Areas
ORV Definitions
Designated Trail: A trail that has been authorized for ORV use by the Superintendent in this compendium and appears on an official ORV trail map delineating the trail within the appropriate management unit and marked as such.
Off Road Vehicle (ORV): Any All-Terrain Vehicle, swamp buggy, airboat, street-legal 4-wheel drive vehicle, or Utility Task Vehicle meeting the specifications described below.
Tread Face: The portion of the outer surface of the tire that actually makes contact with the trail substrate during normal use. This includes those portions of tread which extend onto the sides of the tire, since they are designed as such, to aid in cornering and in soft ground are load bearing.
Measurement of Tread Face: The measurement of a tire will be carried out using a flexible tape measure capable of conforming to a rounded surface. The measurement will be from one edge of the tread face to the other, along the flat or curved tread surface of the tire as viewed in a cross section.
Street Legal: A vehicle that is currently registered, inspected and insured, as required by state law to be operated on public roadways. A street legal vehicle must be 4X4 capable to be permitted on designated ORV trails in the Preserve.
ORV Closures
In addition to the areas closed to motorized vehicles in 36 CFR 7.86(a)(2), the areas south and west of Loop Road (State Road #B94) and the area north of Tamiami Trail, including all of the Addition Lands, the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST), and Stairsteps Unit – Zone 1, are closed to motorized vehicles, except for public roads and designated ORV trails and access points in the units of the Preserve listed below, and further identified on maps available at the Oasis Visitor Center, Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, and the Preserve’s web site: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm. ORVs shall only be operated on open, designated trails and through designated access points. Recreational ORV use is prohibited throughout the Preserve between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The Superintendent will announce all seasonal, hydrologic, Threatened & Endangered (T&E) Species, impacted trail, and safety closures by issuing a Superintendent’s order under the authority of 36 CFR 7.86(a)(iii).The types of motorized vehicles allowed on designated trails and access points are identified below according to the units of the Preserve where they are allowed.
Bear Island Unit (BIU)
Swamp Buggy
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Street Legal 4X4 Vehicle
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV)
Permitted ORVs must enter/depart the unit at designated Access Points (See ORV map)
Peroocchi Grade (GPS 26.1802 -81.2655)
Ridge Trail (GPS 26.1812 -81.2392)
Turner River Unit
Swamp Buggy
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV)
Permitted ORVs must enter/depart the unit at designated Access Points (See ORV map)
Turner River North (26.1080 -81.2651)
Concho Billie (26.9865 -81.2623)
Windmill Tram (25.9506 -81.2622)
Burns Lake (25.8955 -81.2302)
Skillet Strand North (25.8720 -81.1753)
Monroe North (25.8638 -81.0994)
Oasis (25.8573 -81.0320)
Corn Dance Unit (CDU)
Swamp Buggy
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV)
Permitted ORVs must enter/depart the unit at designated Access Points (See ORV map)
Oasis (25.8573 -81.0320)
Jetport (25.9340 -80.8912)
Stairsteps Unit– this unit is further subdivided by zone:
Zone 2
Swamp Buggy
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV)
Permitted ORVs must enter/depart the unit at the designated Access Point (See ORV map)
Monroe South (25.8632 -81.1007)
Zone 3
Swamp Buggy
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV)
Permitted ORVs must enter/depart the unit at the designated Access Points (See ORV map)
Pace’s Dike (25.7590 -81.0355)
Zone 4
Airboat
Designated airboat trails width is 100 feet, 50 feet on either side of the marked center line of trail. A straight-line path from trail marker to trail marker denotes the center line of trail.Permitted ORVs must enter/depart the unit at designated Access Points (See ORV map)
Mitchell’s Landing (25.7552 -80.9256)
Boundary Line (25.7605 -80.8624)
Determination: Justification for these closures can be found in the Backcountry Access Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (2024), the Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (2000), and the Big Cypress National Preserve – Addition, Final General Management Plan/Wilderness Study/Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (2010). Hydrologic conditions resulting in high or low water levels that place greater than normal stress on wildlife may result in the prohibition or limitation of recreational ORV use. Safety closures during periods of time when conditions present a safety hazard to visitor use, recreational and/or non-recreational ORV use may be prohibited or limited for visitor protection. Threatened and Endangered Species protection closures are used to avoid impacts and provide the greatest opportunity for species recovery.
ORV Specifications
The following specifications apply to all ORVs:
ORVs must have a muffler in good working condition.
ORVs may not have any tire chain, bar grip, or other device affixed to a tire in any way.
Tracked vehicles and campers or trailers on ORV trails are prohibited (without special use permit).
The following specifications apply to specific types of ORVs:
Airboat: A commercially or custom designed/manufactured vessel consisting of a shallow, rectangular hull powered by an aircraft or automobile engine mounted on the rear of the vessel that drives a large aircraft propeller(s). Airboats cannot exceed 8 feet total width (beam) and cannot exceed maximum length (excluding grass rake). Airboats must meet all State of Florida and U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations for vessels, including lighting and registration.
Airboats must use (1) an automotive-style factory muffler; (2) an underwater exhaust; or (3) another manufactured device capable of adequately muffling the sound of the engine exhaust. Airboats must not use cutouts or flex pipe as the sole source of muffling. Airboats must display vessel registration numbers that are a contrasting color from the underlying surface, a minimum size of 3 inches, that are affixed (1) on each side of the bow; (2) on both sides of the rudder; or (3) outside of dual rudders.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): Any motorized off-highway vehicle 52 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 1,200 pounds or less, designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control, and intended for use by a single operator with no passenger. ATVs must have a minimum of 7 inches of tread face on the front tires and a minimum of 9 inches of tread face on the rear tires. An ATV must be 4X4 capable to be permitted in the Preserve. (As defined by State of Florida Title 23, Motor Vehicles; Chapter 316, State Uniform Traffic Control; § 316.2074 (2))
Swamp Buggy: A vehicle that is not a registered vehicle and therefore cannot operate legally on roadways. It is typically a modified vehicle that will have 4 or more tires and may not utilize “skid steering”. Swamp Buggies must have four-wheel drive capability and cannot exceed 8 feet in total width including tires with a maximum gross vehicle weight of less than 6000 lbs. Swamp Buggies must have a minimum of 9 inches of tread face on all tires.
Utility-Task Vehicle (UTV): Also known as a Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV), any motorized recreational off-highway vehicle 66 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less, designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, having side by side seating and a steering wheel, and traveling on four or more pneumatic tires that have a minimum of 9 inches of tread face on all tires that are designed for wheels with a rim diameter of 15 inches or less. A UTV must be 4X4 capable to be permitted in the Preserve.
Determination: Types of permitted vehicles and vehicle specifications have been developed by the Preserve’s managers and implemented in accordance with the Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (2000).
ORV Inspection Program
All ORVs must be inspected by the NPS and meet ORV specifications for that ORV type. Successful compliance will result in the issuance of an inspection sticker. Inspections are performed at the Reed Visitor Center on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday between the hours 9am and 1:30 pm. Please call the ORV office to confirm 239-631-9988 hours. Inspection stickers must be affixed to the ORV as follows:
Airboat – steering bar (joystick)
Swamp Buggy– steering column
Street Legal 4X4 – inside the driver’s door
ATV 4X4 – center of steering mechanism
UTV 4X4 – steering column
Recreation ORV permit stickers must be affixed to the ORV as follows:
Airboat- left rudder, on the outside facing surface.
Swamp Buggy- driver’s side of the vehicle
Street Legal 4X4- driver’s side of the windshield or the driver’s side front bumper.
ATV - left back fender.
UTV- front left side of the vehicle.
Determination: Vehicle inspection requirements are included as a part of the NPS’s implementation of the Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (2000).
ORV Rules of Operation
Any wheeled ORV when operated off road and in parking areas during the period from one- half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise shall display at least one forward facing white headlight and one red lighted taillight, each of which shall be visible for a distance of 500 feet in their respective directions under clear atmospheric conditions. 36 CFR 7.86(a)(3)(ii)(C).
Airboats must fly a solid, orange-colored safety flag, 10 inches by 12 inches or larger, at a minimum of 10 feet above the bottom of the airboat, and shall display on white light aft visible for 360 degrees at a distance of 500 feet when running during the period from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise. 36 CFR 7.86(a)(3)(ii)(D).
Mufflers must be in constant operation when an ORV is in use.
Operators of an ORV must comply with all applicable federal and state law. State law that does not conflict with federal law is adopted and made part of NPS regulations that govern the use of ORVs in Big Cypress National Preserve. This includes, but is not limited to, State of Florida Title 23, Motor Vehicles; Chapter 316, State Uniform Traffic Control as it applies to minors operating an ORV.
Minors operating an ORV must be accompanied by and under direct supervision of an adult operator who has a valid ORV permit.
Persons under 16 years of age shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) must wear a helmet meeting Department of Transportation standards and eye protection. (State of Florida Title 23, Chapter 316, §316.2074)
Operators under the age of 16 while operating ATV on public land or roads in Florida must have proof of completion of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) safety course and must be supervised by an adult. (State of Florida Title 23, Chapter 316, §261.20)
Unless otherwise posted on site, the speed limit for ORV trails is 15 mph except for the Zone 4 Airboat Trails where the speed limit in 30 mph.
Recreational ORV use in the Preserve requires a permit issued by the NPS.
Recreational ORV permits require an annual fee (currently $100).
Number of permits: The NPS may issue a maximum of 2000 Recreational ORV Permits per year.
Allocation of permits: If the number of ORV Recreational Permits purchased for a given area meets the limit, a lottery-style random drawing will be held for the following year’s issuance as described in the 2000 ORV Management Plan.
Period of permit validity: January 1 of each year through January 31 of the following year. This 13-month period allows a month-long grace period to obtain a new permit should there be a random drawing in a given year and the applicant is successful in the drawing.
Transferability of permits: ORV Recreational Permits are not transferable to other vehicles owned by the same person or family, or to other ORV owners.
Authorized ORVs will be registered to only one person and only that person is authorized to renew the permit.
Purchase/Renewal of permits: Permits can be purchased or renewed by one of the methods below:
Online through Rec.gov
In person at the ORV office located inside the Reed Visitor Center.
Over the phone by calling the ORV Office at 239-631-9988.
Permit Eligibility Requirements:
All ORV operators must successfully complete a vehicle operator’s course offered by the NPS. Evidence of course completion must be carried by the operator when the ORV is in use.
All ORV operators must possess a valid state driver’s license or learner’s permit that authorizes them to operate the specific type of ORV that will be used in the Preserve, which must be carried by the operator when the ORV is in use.
Determination: Recreational ORV Permitting requirements are included as part of the implementation of the Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (2000).
Landowners, Lessees, and their Guests
A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for all landowners, lessees and guests to operate an ORV on any designated trail within Big Cypress National Preserve in order to access privately owned property. A permit can be obtained or renewed by emailing bicy_permits@nps.gov.
Landowners, lessees and their guests are not required to purchase a recreational ORV permit when traveling to and from private property when in possession of a valid SUP. The SUP will designate a route of travel and authorized vehicle type. The SUP holders must meet all requirements for ORV use in the Preserve including having a valid ORV operator license or learner’s permit, vehicle specifications, and completion of the education course.
Landowners may use utility trailers on designated routes through their SUP.
If landowners, lessees or guests wish to recreate on or hunt on trails within Big Cypress National Preserve, they must purchase a recreational ORV permit.
Determination: These SUP requirements are included as part the Big Cypress National Preserve Land Protection Plan; Implementation of the Preserve’s General Management Plan (GMP); and Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (2000).
The gathering or collecting of Tree Snails (Liguus fasciatus) is prohibited.
Determination: Orthalicus reses, the Stock Island tree snail, is protected by the State of Florida as an Endangered Species. Liguus fasciatus, the Florida tree snail, is protected by the State of Florida as a Species of Special Concern. Pomacea paludosa, the apple snail, is the primary food source of the snail kite, an Endangered Species. The Big Cypress National Preserve’s General Management Plan recognizes the need to protect species listed by the United States of America and the State of Florida as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Additionally, the taking of these species would constitute a significant adverse impact on Preserve resources and wildlife populations. Collection and gathering of tree snails has been prohibited since May 16, 2005 after consultation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
