Special Use Permitting

Special Use Permits authorize activities that benefit individuals, groups or organizations, rather than the public at large. Examples include: weddings, memorial services, special assemblies, and First Amendment activities. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause derogation of park resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established.

Special Park Use Permits are required for short-term activities that take place in the park area which:

• Provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large;

• Require written authorization and some degree of management control from the NPS in order to protect park resources and the public interest;

• Are not prohibited by law or regulation.

Special Use Permit Application

Be as detailed as possible. We must know the specific type of event, desired time and location, equipment (including vehicles), total number of participants (including contractors) and any special needs you may have. When identifying the desired park location for your event, specify the park district (Apollo Beach or Playalinda Beach). As an example, to clearly identify the desired location for an event, you should write, "Apollo Beach by parking area #1", in the preferred location section of the application.

1. A $150 non-refundable processing fee is required with your application. Liability insurance may also be required. Payment of fees shall be via money order or bank draft made payable to the National Park Service. Do Not Mail Cash. Our permit coordinator may be reached at [phone].
2. As a general rule, permit refunds will not be issued for event cancellations, inclement weather, or park closures required by Kennedy Space Center security operations. The information on the application will be used by National Park Service staff to evaluate the impact of your event on park resources and other visitors. In addition, exclusive park staff services may be required, at a cost of $50 per hour, per person, depending on the scope and size of the proposed activity.
3. A minimum of 15 business days is required to review special park use permit requests. The review begins the day the completed permit application, $150 non-refundable application fee, and insurance information are received. Applications will not be considered until all three have been received. In addition to the application fee, other fees may be charged. A National Park Service employee may be assigned as an on-site monitor for the project or an employee may spot-check activities to ensure adherence to the conditions of the permit and to rules and regulations. The permittee will be billed for all costs incurred including employee overtime.

Guests Pay to Enter The Park

While a Special Park Use permit covers the entrance fee for the permit holder, it does not waive entrance fees for guests or participants. We do not accept advance payments for guests as part of the permit process. This is because experience has shown that more often than not, the number of anticipated guests does not match the number of guests who actually arrive for the event.

To accommodate permittees who may wish to pay their guest’s entrance fees, the permittee, or a designated individual may remain at the entrance station fee booth as guests arrive. The Visitor Use Assistant on duty will keep count of the authorized guests or participants with you, and payment will be made after you indicate the last anticipated guest or participant has arrived. Persons arriving for your event after that transaction has been completed will be charged the normal entrance fee, if they do not have a valid park pass.

Wedding Permit Application Supplemental Information

• Group size limits & authorized event locations -

Canaveral National Seashore can accommodate smaller wedding groups with a permit, which do not exceed 20 participants, and which will require no more than 15 parking spaces. Both the Playalinda and Apollo District have a designated location which is most suitable for holding small wedding ceremonies. These locations were selected based on parking availability, ease of beach access, and in order to minimize interference to other park visitors who are not event participants. Exceptions to the above guidelines will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and require special approval by the Superintendent or Chief Ranger.

• Authorized Wedding Ceremony Locations:

Apollo Beach (north district) ………………….. Beach access parking area # 1

Playalinda Beach (south district) ………………. Eddy Creek beach access area.