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Special Use License (SUL)

 

In certain instances, a no-cost Special Use License issued by the District may be required for some activities as listed in Rule 40E-7.

To obtain a license, please read the Special Use License Application section below, click the link to the online application and complete the form.

Special Use License Application

A Special Use License request is fully automated and only takes a few minutes to process.

To obtain a Special Use License, click here to access the online application and follow these directions (or click here for more detailed instructions):

  • New Users: Before proceeding, the new form requires a one-time registration to allow users to view or change future reservations while providing added security. To register:
    • Click "Add Account" and follow the instructions to create a new user account.
    • You should receive a verification email from no-reply@arzada.com. Your registration will not be complete until you verify your account from this email.
    • If you need assistance, please dial 1-866-433-6312 or email specialuselicense@sfwmd.gov.
  • Select the dates for your permit.
  • Confirm your application information and submit it.

A one-time  registration is required in order to use the website. A “no-reply” email address will then be sent to you with a link that verifies and activates your account for usage. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THIS LINK AND VERIFY THE ACCOUNT, THE ACCOUNT WILL REMAIN INACTIVE AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROCEED WITH YOUR REQUEST. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive this link in your inbox. If you do not receive the link, please email specialuselicense@sfwmd.gov and a representative will manually activate the account for you.

Important information about Special Use Licenses:

  • This permit must be in your possession at all times during your visit, either electronically or in paper form.
  • Please note that a vehicle access authorization or equestrian license does not allow camping overnight.
  • Commercial activity on District lands is prohibited under Rule 40E-7 F.A.C.
  • You are required to include your first and last name on all Special Use Licenses or vehicle access authorizations. 
  • Gate combinations change each month. You may log into your account at any time and view your current license and the current gate combination will always be displayed.
  • Passwords can be changed by selecting the “forgot password” button on the log in page. If you have difficulty with this feature, please send an email to specialuselicense@sfwmd.gov for assistance.

If you need additional information about Special Use Licenses, read these frequently asked questions to learn more. 

NOTE: If you would prefer to print out and mail in the Special Use License application, directions and a link to the form are available on the Recreation web page. Paper copies of a Special Use License require 7 to 10 business days to process. 

 

Cancellations and Changes

If you are unable to keep a Special Use License for any reason or need to make a change, please log into the online application and update your reservation. The number of sites and Special Use Licenses are limited, and your cancellation will allow others an opportunity.
 

Closures and Notices

  • Posted July 8, 2021: Scheduled repairs on the S-61 Boat Lock from Lake Tohopekaliga to the C-35 Canal will take place from Monday, July 12 to Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The boat lock will be closed during this time.

  • Posted July 2, 2021: The Allapattah equestrian trailhead off Fox Brown Road will be temporarily closed July 12th thru July 26th due to management activities that will be taking place on the property.

  • Posted June 21, 2021: Public access to the Arthur R. Marshal Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge from Lee Road in Boynton Beach is temporarily restricted in certain areas.  The Lee Road boat ramps and canoe trail is closed through June 24 and then from June 28-June 30. The fishing pier and levee road will be closed from June 28-30. The parking lot will remain open and surrounding features such as the kayak rental facility will not be affected.

  • Posted June 15, 2021: Allapattah Public Vehicle Use on Cottage Road and the Campground is CLOSED JULY 11th – JULY 18th  for maintenance activities.
  • Posted June 11, 2021: Taylor Creek STA is scheduled for mowing on Monday, June 21, 2021 and will be closed the entire day.
  • Posted June 10, 2021: L-67A Levee Temporarily Closed to Public Access Due to Construction

    Public access to the L-67A Levee over the S-151 Structure in western Broward County will temporarily close starting June 21. Public access is expected to be closed until September 2021.Access is restricted due to construction activity on the S-151 Structure. Construction will continue on the structure through May 2022, and public access is expected to be restored by September 2021.

  • Posted May 27, 2021: Innovative Technology Being Used in the Caloosahatchee River (C-43 Canal, St. Lucie River (C-44 Canal), and Pahokee Marina

    The South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently enhanced water quality monitoring across South Florida. In addition, innovative technology treatments are being used and tested in select waterbodies in South Florida. Recreational use is not impacted by the use of innovative technologies. Please note, the listings below only include treatments and efforts deployed by the South Florida Water Management District.

    • Algaecide treatments are being deployed in the Caloosahatchee River between the Wilson Pigott Bridge (SR 31) and Alva Boat Ramp. Treatment may extend east of the Alva Boat Ramp at a later date.
    • Various innovative technologies are being used at the Pahokee Marina. 
    • Innovative technologies and algaecide may be deployed near the Port Mayaca Lock and Dam Structure (S-308).
  • Posted March 19, 2021: The two northern boat ramps located at the A-1 FEB are temporarily closed for resource protection under the District’s Public Use Rule 40E-7.523(3)(c), F.A.C. The four remaining boat ramps throughout the A-1 FEB are still open for use. Click HERE to learn more. 
  • Posted March 12, 2021: Due to the construction that will be taking place for the C-139 Flow Equalization Basin project, the public access route to Stormwater Treatment Area 5 will be rerouted from Deer Fence Rd. to Blumberg Rd. starting April 1st. Directions to Blumber Road public access. 
  • Posted Oct. 19, 2020: An approximately 900 acre parcel of the C23/24 Public Small Game Hunting is closed to public use due to construction activities. 
  • Posted Oct. 15, 2020: The Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands project construction has closed the access through the S709 and S20F structures. This is located in the SE of Miami-Dade County near the Biscayne Bay National Parks at the intersection of L31E levee and C103 canal. This closure includes those trails on those levees leading to those structures due to construction traffic access. This closure will be in effect until further notice.
  • Posted Oct. 09, 2020: Due to construction activities, the A-1 FEB northwest levee is currently CLOSED to the public. Visitors can view this map of A-1 FEB to avoid areas with construction activities.  
  • Posted Jan. 15, 2020: The SFWMD is installing a temporary earthen test plug in the L-38W Canal, approximately 2.6 miles downstream of the S-150 structure and Palm Beach/Broward County line. Construction will last approximately two weeks and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2020. More >>
  • Posted Jan. 6, 2020: As a result of construction, navigation is being restricted along approximately 10 miles of the lower Kissimmee River by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District. Barriers have been placed at closed segments of the Kissimmee River, with construction expected to be completed within the next 12 months. More >>