First Amendment Activities

 

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Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The National Park Service requires a permit for most First Amendment activities in order to establish the location, time, number of participants, and other general conditions under which such events may occur. The content of First Amendment activities is not regulated, and the opinions expressed by permittees do not necessarily reflect the vision, mission and/or policy of the National Park Service.

Please email us regarding any questions or comments related to First Amendment permits.

A permit is required for First Amendment activities that meet any of the following criteria:

• Groups larger than 25 participants
• Utilizes significant equipment including generators, platforms, tents, etc.
• Would like a guarantee of priority use of a specific location
• Is requesting an area not otherwise open to the public

 

Groups of 25 or Less

A group of 25 people or less is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if they do not meet the criteria above, but they are encouraged to get one as a permit will prevent another group from reserving the area.
 

 

Examples of First Amendment Activities

• Religious services
• Political speeches
• Press conferences
• Public demonstration
• Picketing
• Assembly or rally expressing opinions and views

Type of Activities Not Covered by the First Amendment

• Church picnic or social gathering
• Wedding ceremonies or receptions
• Political fundraiser or other invitation-only political activity or event
• Solicitation of donations
• Community parades, athletics, or sporting events

 

First Amendment Permit Cost

First Amendment permits are issued at no cost to the permittee. Many of the activities not covered by the First Amendment can be accommodated through a Special Use Permit for which cost recovery will be charged.
 

 

Designated Areas

The Seashore has designated specific areas for this type of activity. Please reference the Superintendent’s Compendium for maps detailing these locations.

Superintendent's Compendium

 

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