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It's a 3-step process to obtain an off-road vehicle permit for use of an ATV, UTV, airboat, swamp buggy or street-legal 4x4 along designated ORV trails in Big Cypress National Preserve: 1) an operator permit (free), 2) an inspection sticker (free), and 3) an annual vehicle permit (fees apply) are required. Motorcycles and other two-wheeled motorized vehicles are not permitted in the national preserve backcountry. Please note: Renewals and new ORV permit requests are now issued on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 9:00am -1:30pm at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (33000 Tamiami Trail East. Ochopee, FL 34141). Permits will be issued on a first-come first-served basis. This permitting procedure will continue until further notice. Contact the Off-Road Vehicle Permitting Office at 239-631-9988 with questions. Getting a Permit is a 3-Step ProcessOpen the collapsing panels to explore those three steps! In order to get a permit, you must complete the ORV operators course. In order to do this, come to the ORV office during business hours (F-M 9am - 1:30pm). The Ranger there will walk you through the rules and regulations, and give you the paper ORV operators test. Once you pass, your vehicle can be inspected and a permit may be issued. You also must bring your valid state driver's license or learner's permit (required). Note —Those who have a learner's permit must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years or older (while operating an off-road vehicle) who also possesses a Big Cypress National Preserve off-road vehicle operator permit. Unlicensed drivers are not permitted to operate off-road vehicles at Big Cypress National Preserve.
It is important that you provide the staff with current address, telephone and email (if available) information so that we may send you mail with important updates on trails, regulations, and off-road vehicle related news. Bring your vehicle in to the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (33000 Tamiami Trail East. Ochopee, FL 34141) on Fridays-Mondays from 9:00am -1:30pm. The inspection sticker is valid for life as long as no major changes are made to the vehicle, and permits can be renewed yearly without yearly inspections. Off-road vehicle staff will inspect your vehicle under the following guidelines: AIRBOAT (A)
Measurement of Tread Face –Tread Face will be measured 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 rounded tread surface of the tire as viewed in cross –section.  Once you have obtained an operator permit, and your vehicle has passed the inspection and received the inspection sticker, you may then purchase the annual off-road vehicle permit. An annual off-road vehicle permit, displayed on the inspected vehicle, is required for off-road vehicle operation along preserve trails. The fee is $100 annually per vehicle permitted.
Previous year's off-road vehicle permits These permits are valid from January 1 of each year to January 31, of the following year - a 13-month period, however, they are NOT prorated from the date of purchase. This means that whatever your date of purchase is, the permit will still expire on January 31, and therefore, it is more economical to purchase it early in the year. Permits go on sale mid-December of each year and 2,000 permits are available each year. All permit sales are on a first-come, first-served basis at this time, but a drawing system may be used as demand approaches the 2,000 permit limit. Permits are not transferable between vehicles. Remember to call the off road vehicle office at 239-631-9988 before you bring your vehicle in. We may be able to save you time and extra trips with a brief conversation before your visit. To renew the off-road vehicle permit on a previously inspected vehicle that has not undergone any major changes, print the ORV Permit Renewal form and mail it to: Big Cypress National PreserveATTN: ORV Office 33100 Tamiami Trail East Ochopee, FL 34141 |
Last updated: July 24, 2025