Commercial Visitor Services

Want to do Business in the Preserve?

 

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• Commercial Operators Training
• FAQs
• Right of First Refusals
• Authorized Commercial Services and Limitation
• Find Permitted Guides

What Are Commercial Use Authorizations?

Quite simply, a Commercial Use Authorization is a permit that allows a business to provide commercial services, like guided tours, to visitors within a national park. Not every type of business is eligble and businesses must apply and receive a Commercial Use Authorization to legally provide commercial services within a national park. There are different qualifications depending on which type of services the business will offer and there are requirements a business must meet in order to remain permitted. Read on and use the links provided here to learn more.

 

What types of services can my business provide?

See and expand the panels below to learn about which business types and services can be permitted with a Commercial Use Authorization as well as the qualifications needed before applying.

Charter Fishing

Qualifications and Requirements:

• U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License for each captain operating in the park. 

• Vessel registration(s) or Documented Vessel Certificates 

• Vessel insurance certificates 

• State of Florida Fishing License(s) for each captain 

• General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured) 

• Business License 

• Everglades Boater Education Certificate (*Everglades Only) 

• Pay.Gov Receipt showing proof of payment 

To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:

• All Monthly reports from previous year 

• Annual Report 

Non-motorized Tour

Non-motorized tours include, but are not limited to:

• Kayak/Canoe tours
• Biking tours
• Hiking Tours
• Photography
• Birdwatching
• Eco Tours

Qualifications and Requirements

• Drivers License for each operator
• CPR/First Aid and AED
• Vehicle/Vessel Registration (If using to transport visitors in park)
• Vehicle/Vessel insurance certificates (If using to transport visitors in park)
• General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured)
• Business License
• Pay.Gov Receipt showing proof of payment

To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:

• All Monthly reports from previous year
• Annual Report

Motorized Tour

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Drivers License
• First Aid / AED Certification
• Vehicle Registration
• General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured)
• Business License
• Pay.Gov Receipt showing proof of payment

To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:

• All Monthly reports from previous year
• Annual Report

 

Did you know?

Section 418 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-391, authorizes the National Park Service, upon request, to issue commercial use authorizations to provide commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances.

 

What's in it for...

My Business?

Businesses that are granted a commercial use authorization are:

• Permitted to operate within the boundaries of Big Cypress National Preserve
• Part of the team of people inspiring visitors to appreciate and care for the preserve, its history, and its ecosystems
• Listed on the preserve website

The Preserve?

Through commercial use authorizations, Big Cypress National Preserve can:

• Offer visitors additional experiences and ways to connect with the preserve that wouldn't be possible otherwise
• Support the local economy through providing opportunities for small businesses

 

Ready To Apply?

If you've read the information on this site and believe you're ready to apply, click the button below to access the application.

I'm Ready To Apply!

 

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