Recreation

Notice:

All District-managed lands and campgrounds are open. Please scroll down to read about any closures or notices. All campers and all recreation area visitors must continue to practice social distancing and take other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

FOR YOUR SAFETY:

• Practice Social Distancing – Keep a minimum of 6 feet apart from others 
• Sanitize your hands before and after touching items such as handles, gates, locks, and other common places

Hiking, fishing, camping, bird-watching, horseback riding, nature study, cycling, hunting, geocaching, stargazing – what's your pleasure?

The South Florida Water Management District is the steward for more than 1 million acres of public land. Over the years, we've taken great strides to expand public recreational opportunities on land purchased with public dollars – and it keeps getting better.

Each year we take steps to enhance and expand recreational use of all District-owned property throughout our 16-county region. Activities at each location are compatible with natural resources protection and intended land use priorities.

We invite you to explore recreational opportunities on your public lands. Our colorful, 117-page recreation guide is packed with information. You'll find a comprehensive listing of lands available for public use and access – as well as maps, descriptions, suggested outings, driving directions and contact information for each location.

• 2009 SFWMD Recreational Guide
  [download and print PDF]
   
• Recreation Sites Interactive Map
   
• Geocaching
   
• Volunteering


• SFWMD Public Recreation Use Rule for District-owned Lands (40E-7) [PDF]
   
• Questions & Answers – What You Need to Know about Visiting Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) [PDF]
   

SFWMD Recreational Public Forum

The SFWMD Recreational Forums are held quarterly. For further details click on the schedule below. Meetings are open to the public.

• Governing Board
• Meeting Schedule
• Public Meetings & Forum (Agenda, Minutes, Presentations, Videos, and Archives)
• South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

Recreational Licenses and Permits

Special Use License
In certain instances, a no-cost Special Use License, issued by the South Florida Water Management District, may be required for vehicle access to SFWMD lands with locked gates or for some activities, such as camping or horseback riding.

• To apply for a Special Use License online, click here for the application form.
• Special Use License FAQs
  
  (NOTE: A user name and password will be required to apply for a license. Directions on how to register are posted in the link above.)

Related Links:

• SFWMD Public Recreation Use Rule for District-owned Lands (40E-7) [PDF]
• Directions to Pick Up or Order a Special Use License by Mail [PDF]
• Special Use License Form [PDF]

Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Most recreational activities on District lands are managed by agencies such as the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission or other state, federal, county or city governments in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District. Most licenses for hunting or fishing must be obtained from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

• To obtain hunting or fishing licenses, go to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.