Important DatesThe 2026 CUA application period for Everglades National Park is CLOSED.March 15 - Annual Reports due for previous calendar year of operation. If you do not submit the required report by the due date, your current CUA will be suspended and you will not be eligible to reapply for a CUA until we receive your Annual Report.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. 
Before You BeginPrior approval from the Superintendent, in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization, is required before any business operations can begin in the park. All activities must be in compliance with the general regulations for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park. Commercial Use Authorizations are coordinated through the Superintendent's Office at Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida 33034-6733. How To Apply For A CUAAll CUA applications will continue to be processed through the online CUA Application and Reporting System.Read the information on this page carefully before filling out and returning the application. All CUA applications will continue to be processed through the online CUA Application and Reporting System. This platform allows you to apply online, submit reports, pay fees, upload documents, and track application status. Watch this instructional video on using the online CUA Application and Reporting System.
New applications will be accepted starting November 19, 2025 and are due by January 31, 2026. Commercial Use Authorization Program Changes for 2026Changes include CUA terms, updated fees, and reporting. Read on for more information. Beginning this season, permits will now be issued on two-year terms. Two-Year CUA TermsBeginning this season, permits will now be issued on two-year terms. Updated CUA FeesThe updated CUA fees are as follows:
All payments must be made via the online CUA system. Reporting
Training for Commercial Operators
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 befor applying.
CUA Activity RequirementsQualifications and Requirements:
To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:
Non-motorized tours include, but are not limited to:
Qualifications and Requirements
To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:
Qualifications and Requirements:
To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:
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. Things to KnowPlease allow for a processing time of up to 30 days for new applications. An entrance fee update was posted January 1, 2026. Payments will only be accepted via the link provided through the online CUA Application System. Check out the FAQs if you have questions. What's in it for...Businesses that are granted a commercial use authorization are:
Through commercial use authorizations, Everglades National Park can:
Ready To Apply?Once you've read the information on this page and are ready to apply, click the button below to learn about the program requirements and the application process. If you've read the information on this site and believe you're ready to apply, click the button below to access the application. We're here to help!
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Last updated: September 8, 2026