Laws & Policies

The laws and policies enforced at the San Juan National Historic Site are contained in two main documents:

• Regulations covering all National Park Service lands are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Chapter 1 also known as 36 CFR.
• Regulations pertaining specifically to San Juan National Historic Site are contained in the park's Superintendent's Compendium revised on June 2024.

Firearms in the Park

As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit Puerto Rico's government website

Puerto Rico firearms law requires that whoever possess or carry firearms to have a legal permit or be authorized to do so. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park and those buildings are posted with signs at public entrances. Federal law also prohibits firearms inside the fortifications and facilities (Army Bunkers, Administration offices, Polvorin, Discovery center) in this park.

If you have any questions or concerns please e-mail the Chief Ranger or park headquarters at 787-729-6777.

 

36 CFR 1.5

NPS

Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) Prohibited in San Juan National Historic Site

San Juan National historic Site advises visitors that the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) are prohibited within park boundaries due to regulations outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Specifically, the use of drones within the park boundaries is illegal under all circumstances. 36 CFR 1.5 Closures and public use limits and 36 CFR 2.17(a)(3) states, “delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss, or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit” is illegal. This applies to drones of all shapes and sizes.

The park has experienced an increase in visitors using drones within park boundaries over the last few years. Drones have been witnessed filming visitors, filming views, and filming aerial footage of the park 36 CFR 2.12. Drones can be extremely noisy, and can impact the natural soundscape. Drones can also impact the experience for other visitors creating an environment that is not conducive. The use of drones also interferes with emergency rescue operations and can cause confusion and distraction for rescue personnel and other parties involved in the rescue operation. Additionally, drones can have negative impacts on wildlife nearby the area of use.

Visitors traveling to the park should be aware that the use of drones is prohibited while visiting the park and should not be utilized at any time.

The FAA has partnered with Kittyhawk to redevelop the FAA's first mobile application, to improve the user experience so that recreational flyers know whether it is safe to fly their drone.
The B4UFLY app is available to download for free at the App Store for iOS and Google Play store for Android.