Permits & Reservations

In general, permits are needed whenever the possibility exists for disruption of visitor services, for damage to park resources, or if the activity is to take place in areas not open to the public or before or after normal visitation hours. Also, contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator for permission to commercially film park staff.

Examples where a permit is required include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Weddings
• Filming and photography involving models, props, or extensive equipment
• Special events
• Scientific studies or other research
• Commercial Use
• 
  Permitting for Fort Matanzas is handled by the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Special Use Permit Coordinator. e-mail: Special Use Coordinator.

Specific Information for Fort Matanzas --

Weddings - No weddings may be held at the fort or on Rattlesnake Island. Locations which have been used in the past include the boardwalk nature trail, the picnic area, ocean beach, and river beach.

Information

Long Application

Other Permits --

Commercial Use Authorization - All businesses who wholly or partly provide commercial services at the parks must obtain a commercial use authorization. Click here for more information and application.

Special Events - Only events that have a meaningful association with the park or contribute to visitor understanding of the significance of the park will be permitted.

Short Application

Long Application

Commercial Filming

Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park Land

On January 22, 2021, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision in Price v. Barr determining the permit and fee requirements applying to commercial filming under 54 USC 100905, 43 CFR Part 5, and 36 CFR Part 5 are unconstitutional. The National Park Service is currently determining how this decision will be implemented.

Following the recent court decision, the National Park Service will not be implementing or enforcing the commercial filming portions of 43 CFR Part 5 until further notice, including accepting applications, issuing permits, enforcing the terms and conditions of permits, issuing citations related to permits, or collecting cost recovery and location fees for commercial filming activities.

As regulations regarding commercial filming permits are being reassessed, those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by the National Park Service are encouraged to contact the park directly for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Do I need a permit to film?

Currently, the National Park Service is not issuing commercial filming permits, but is in the process of evaluating how best to regulate filming activities that affect visitors and park resources. All applicable laws and regulations governing activities and public use in parks still apply, including park hours and areas open and closed to the public. Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, and other staff associated with commercial filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors still apply to filming activities even if no permit is needed for their activity. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Are filmers still required to pay fees to film in parks?

As of January 22, 2021, the National Park Service is no longer collecting application or location fees, or cost recovery for filming.

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. Contact information for parks can be found on their websites; visit Find a Park to locate the park where you would like to photograph. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

Research - A permit is required for any collection of data or physical items. Contact the Natural Resource Specialist for more information.

For questions regarding any of these special use permits at Fort Matanzas, e-mail the Fort Matanzas National Monument Special Use Coordinator.

 

School Group Reservations:

School and other groups are welcome. Times for School group tours are 9:45, 10:45, 11:45, 1:45, and 2:45 daily with no more than 36 people at each time. Not to be confused with the public tours which depart at half-past the hour. Please call the park at 904 471-0116 to make a reservation. For more information see the "For Teachers" page.