Permits & Reservations

 

Permits

A Special Park Use Permit is required to conduct certain special events and activities at Fort Pulaski National Monument. However, no activity can interfere with the daily operation of the park or with the visiting public. A special park use is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the Park Service in order to protect park assets and the public interest;
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the Park Service;
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the National Park Service charges a fee, or a lease.

Each request to permit a special park use or to renew authorization of an existing use will be reviewed and evaluated by the park superintendent.

Permit cost recovery fees, location fees, liability insurance, and performance bond requirements will be imposed, consistent with applicable statutory authorities and regulations. All costs incurred by the National Park Service in writing the permit, monitoring, providing protection services, restoring park areas, or otherwise supporting a special park use will be billed to the permittee.

Permit applications must be submitted at least one month (30 days) in advance of the requested activity dates. Applications will not be accepted for activities occurring more than a year (365 days) out.

To apply for a Special Use Permit, contact the Special Park Use Permit Coordinator at e-mail us.

 

Filming

Those interested in commercial filming activities at Fort Pulaski National Monument are encouraged to contact the park directly. Please contact our permitting team at e-mail us for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for commercial filming permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee of $200 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:

Comercial Filming Location Fees

Number of People	Cost Per Day
1-2 people camera/tripod only	$0 per day
1-10 people	$150 per day
11-30 people	$250 per day
31-49 people	$500 per day
50+ people	$750 per day

Do I need a permit to film?

Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within Fort Pulaski National Monument requires a permit. Non-commercial and news gathering filming activities will not require a special use permit.

What is considered commercial filming?

"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.

Does commercial filming by individuals or small groups require a permit?

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

Does non-commercial filming require a permit?

Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the park where you intend to film in advance.

In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors filming for personal enjoyment.

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

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.

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available through the Fort Pulaski National Monument permit office. Please contact our permitting team at e-mail us. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee of $200 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:

Still Photography Location Fees

Number of People	Cost Per Day
1-10 people	$50 per day
11-30 people	$150 per day
30+ people	$250 per day

Are there other permit requirements?

Filming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you 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 also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.

 

Reservations

Reservations for families and other small groups are generally not required for Fort Pulaski. All large groups and school groups of any size should make reservations. Due to COVID-19 groups of more than 10 people, cannot be accommodated. Some large groups may have to be split-up between park locations to ensure building and structure capacities are not exceeded. To make a group reservation please contact e-mail us.

Some educational or scientific institutions may be eligible for an academic fee waiver. For information on how to obtain an Academic Fee Waiver.

Commercial Use Authorizations

For information on how to obtain a Commercial Use Authorization.

Contact Information

Information requests, application packages, and other forms should be submitted to:

Fort Pulaski National Monument
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
PO Box 30757
Savannah, GA 31410
e-mail us