Big Cypress Off-Road Vehicle FAQs

Big Cypress National Preserve's Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) management plan and special regulation helps preserve the unique plants and wildlife of this dynamic ecosystems while permitting the use of vehicles on designated ORV routes. This FAQ provides information on the preserve’s ORV regulations and how you can obtain a permit to drive within the preserve.

Basics

What is an ORV?
An ORV is any motor vehicle used off of paved park roads; such vehicles must comply with the vehicle and equipment requirements established by the park’s ORV management plan and special regulation, and use designated ORV routes. Any vehicle that does not comply is not authorized for use off of park roads.

Permits

Do I need a permit to use a vehicle off-road at the Preserve?
Yes. An ORV permit is required.

What are my options for obtaining an ORV permit?
There are annual/$100 permits (valid for one calendar year January 1st - December 31st).You may obtain a permit at any time via the web by visiting www.recreation.gov. or call 1-877-444-6777 to be connected to a recreation.gov representative. Proof-of-permit must be displayed on your vehicle during off-road driving.

What is a print-at-home permit?
A print-at-home permit is an ORV permit that you can obtain, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, through www.recreation.gov. After you purchase the permit online, you will receive a digital copy of your permit registration, the rules and regulations, and a proof of permit windshield tag.

• Page one of the printed permit is the registration form and should be secured in the glove box of the permitted vehicle while driving on ORV trails in the Preserve. The signature block on the permit form must be signed in order for the permit to be valid.
• Page two of the printed permit contains all the driving rules and regulations.
• Page three of the printed permit is the visible proof of permit that must be affixed (taped) to the inside bottom corner of the driver’s side windshield. The visible proof of permit must be affixed and displayed properly, in order for the permit to be valid.

Annual permittees may print at the time of purchase a temporary proof of permit. The permanent annual decal will be mailed to the permittee within 7-10 business days. The temporary proof of permit must be affixed, using tape, to the inside of the driver’s side windshield and must be displayed at all times that the permittee wishes to access the beach with an ORV. The temporary proof of permit can be used for no longer than 30 days and should be immediately substituted with the permanent decal once it is received via U.S. mail.If you cannot print the proof-of-permit, you can pick up a self-certification card from outside the visitor centers or at many local tackle shops. On the self-certification card, simply write in the information from your permit, sign the card, and place on your dashboard.

Do I have to print the permit, or can I keep it digitally on my smart phone?
You must print all three pages of the permit. The permit must be signed and the proof of permit must be properly displayed to be valid. If you cannot print the proof-of-permit, read how to get a self-certification card above.

I need assistance with a problem I have with an online permit order. Who do I contact?
If you need assistance with ordering an ORV permit, please contact Recreation.gov directly. You may contact the customer service department by phone, email, and chat. Here is the information that you will need:

• Email or chat, go to https://www.recreation.gov/contact-us. They will respond to your email inquiry within 24 hours.
• Reservation Line and Customer Service: 1-877-444-6777.

What if I don’t have access to a printer?
If you cannot print the proof-of-permit, you can pick up a self-certification card from outside the visitor centers or at many local tackle shops. On the self-certification card, simply write in the information from your permit, sign the card, and place on your dashboard.

If I misplace my permit, or lose it, can I print another copy?
Yes, here are the instructions:

• Login to your Recreation.gov account.
• Click on your name in the upper right corner.
• Click on the “My Reservations" from the list.
• Find the correct permit and click "Reservation Details."
• Click on "Print Permit."
• Watch the 3.5 minute ORV Safety Video on the ORV Permit page at recreation.gov.

Are there any specific permit requirements for my vehicle?
Yes. To get an ORV permit your vehicle must:

• Be registered, licensed, and insured for highway use and comply with inspection requirements for the state, country, or province where the vehicle is registered;
• Have no more than two axles and have tires that are listed or approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation; and
• Have a low-pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack, and jack support board.
• Other equipment that is recommended, but not required, is a full-sized spare tire, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, trash bag or container, flashlight (if night driving), and tow strap.

Is there a limit to the number of ORV permits available?
No. There is no limit to the number of permits available.

Does the ORV permit guarantee that all ORV routes will be open for me to use?
No. There are several reasons that parts of ORV routes may be closed to ORV use:

• There are seasonal closures along certain routes from June to July.
• Routes may be temporarily closed if there is a specific need for resource protection; and
• Routes may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.

Several of my family members have ORVs. Do we need to get a permit for each vehicle?
Yes. You must get a permit for each vehicle.

Can family members or friends use my vehicle on the beach if I have an ORV permit for it?
Yes. The person driving the ORV permitted-vehicle must have a valid state motor vehicle driver’s license. The ORV permit must be in the vehicle and the proof-of-permit properly displayed. You should carefully review the regulations printed on the ORV permit with any person you let operate the vehicle. Your ORV permit can be revoked if they violate these regulations.

Can I use my Interagency America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access pass to get my ORV permit?No. The ORV permit falls under the NPS Special Use Permit Program, so Federal Recreational Lands passes do not provide discounts for your ORV permit.

Is a separate permit required for night driving?
No. You only need your ORV permit.

Routes

Where can I get a map of the designated ORV routes?
You can pick up an ORV route map from any park visitor center!
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Why do I sometimes see ORVs in areas closed to ORVs?
In addition to NPS vehicles being used by NPS employees to conduct approved management activities and emergency response vehicles, the NPS allows ORV use in certain areas closed to ORVs only for very specific purposes.

What is the speed limit on ORV routes?
The speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.

What are right-of-way rules I need to know?
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians and move to the landward side of the beach when approaching or passing a pedestrian. When traveling within 100 feet of pedestrians, ORVs must slow to 5 mph.

Can I drive on ORV routes at night?
Yes, but