What is a CUA?
A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:
- Are determined to be an appropriate use of Biscayne National Park,
- Will have minimal impact on the park’s resources and values; and
- Are consistent with the park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
A CUA is required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
- take place at least in part in Biscayne National Park,
- use park resources, and
- result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
The Following Services Have Been Deemed Appropriate AND Require CUAs in Biscayne National Park
- Boat tours and transportation (including charters)
- Marine towing and salvage
- Guide and Charter Fishing
- SCUBA and snorkeling tours
Requests to provide any service outside of this list requires additional consideration.
Please email the
South Florida Parks and Preserve Commercial Services Team for additional information about CUAs in South Florida's national parks.
