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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 new 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):

  • From the map, select the site you want to visit.
  • Choose the permit type you need.
  • 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 contact Kim Willis at (561) 924-5310, ext. 3333.
  • Select the dates for your permit.
  • Confirm your application information and submit it.

After you have completed the application, a link to your Special Use License will be displayed for you to view or print. In addition, you will receive emails with the gate combination (if available) and a link to view or print your Special Use License. Instructions and important information about your visit to the site and instructions for displaying your Special Use License are also included. Please take the time to read through all of this information. Gate combinations are also printed at the bottom of the permit.

More things to know 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.

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.
 

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

  • Stormwater Treatment Area 1 East (STA-1E) in western Palm Beach County will be temporarily closed to public access and recreation starting Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 due to ongoing environmental restoration construction work. STA-1E will be reopened to public access as soon as possible.
     
  • Posted Aug. 22, 2019 Changes made at DuPuis Equestrian Campground Gate 3 in 2019: The DuPuis Equestrian Campground has been separated into two campgrounds; equestrian and non-equestrian. Anyone wishing to camp in the equestrian portion of the campground must have a minimum of one horse per Special Use License. All other campers may camp in the non-equestrian camping area. Similar to other District campgrounds, the main gate at the DuPuis Equestrian Campground will be locked at all times and require a Special Use License for day use, equestrian camping, and non-equestrian camping. Up to two dogs (pets) are permitted per Special Use License within the campground, otherwise pet rules remain the same within the rest of the area. More >>
     
  • Effective Jan. 7, 2019: the A-1 Flow Equalization Basin will be temporarily closed to public use until further notice due to construction. For more details, visit the A-1 FEB recreation page.
     
  • Effective Sept. 14, 2018: As a result of construction, public access to Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) 5/6 is temporarily being relocated to Blumberg Road. Construction activities will also result in the Florida National Scenic Trail being temporarily rerouted from the western boundary of the STA to the eastern boundary. For detailed information, visit the STA-5/6 recreation page.
     
  • Effective June 22, 2018: SFWMD will temporarily close two of the four boat ramps located at Loxahatchee Road on the southern border of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and the western part of the parking lot. The remaining two boat ramps will stay open for access. The closures are required as a result of the installation of two temporary pumps just west of the S-39 structure. more »
     
  • Effective June 25, 2018: public access to the L-67A Levee and the banks of the C-304 Canal at the S-151 Structure will be temporarily closed for construction. The work is expected to be completed by May 2019. more »
     
  • Effective Jan. 29, 2018: SFWMD has started a multi-year culvert replacement project along the L-8 Canal on the levee adjacent to the DuPuis Management Area. Due to construction, the entire L-8 levee adjacent to the southwest portion of DuPuis is currently closed to all public use until further notice.
     

Cypress Creek Natural Area Vehicle Access

If you would like to obtain a license for day use vehicle access to the District’s Cypress Creek property please click here. Persons with a Cypress Creek Natural Area vehicle access license must proceed approximately 1.2 miles from the gate to the designated parking area on District lands. This is an unimproved road and 4-wheel drive may be required.
 

Special Events, Large Groups and Fundraisers

The District has requirements that need to be met in order for groups to hold any type of organized event. If you are holding a fundraiser at a District site, certain insurance and specific wording on your event documents are required. If you are holding a special event, please contact the Land Manager in the area where you propose to use District lands or call Kim Willis at (561) 924-5310, ext. 3333, to see if this can be granted. Land Managers may be found in the Program Management section of the Natural Resources Management Activities on the District website.

Please note that Special Use Licenses do not entitle you to exclusive use of a site. If your group is larger than the number of available SULs for a site, an event authorization is required. Contact Kim Willis at (561) 924-5310, ext. 3333, for event authorization information.
 

Hunting

NOTE FOR HUNTERS: No one who is hunting in the Kissimmee River Public Use Area is allowed to camp anywhere at the KICCO Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Public Use Area hunters in Pool A may camp at the Blanket Bay Marsh campground. Please note that the Blanket Bay Marsh campground is accessible only by boat.

KICCO: Camping is allowed without a Special Use License at the Packingham Campground (formerly referred to as the the Hunter's Campsite) during established hunting periods. (Note that you will have to park and walk 100 yards to the Packingham campsite.) 

Please be sure to review the FWC rules and regulations for the property that you will be visiting. These can be found at myfwc.com.

Please visit FWC Hunting Brochures for upcoming hunting dates for the following areas: A-1 FEB, Allapattah Flats WMA, C23/24 SGA, CREW WEA, DuPuis MA, Hickory Hammock WMA, KICCO WMA, Kissimmee Chain of Lakes MA, Kissimmee River PUA, Lake Marion Creek WMA, Southern Glades WEA, and the Stormwater Treatment Areas.

Camping

The District has a 30 day per year limit for camping District-wide. Campers may stay for up to eight (8) consecutive days per visit. Consecutive reservations of eight (8) days are not permitted. You must leave a site for one day between visits.

Please note that a vehicle access authorization does not allow camping overnight.