Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a Commercial Use Authorization?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit that authorizes companies or individuals to provide commercial services on the grounds of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Who needs a CUA?

CUAs are required for anyone that provides goods, activities, services, agreements, or other functions for park visitors that takes place, at least in part, on property managed by the National Park Service (NPS); uses park resources; and are for the purpose of monetary gain or profit.

The NPS can issue CUAs only for appropriate visitor services and requires the NPS to:

• Collect a reasonable fee that recovers NPS costs for the administration and management of the CUA, at a minimum.

• Take appropriate steps to limit the liability of the United States arising from the provision of visitor services under the CUA.

• Limit for-profit CUAs for services originating and provided solely within an NPS unit (in-park CUAs) to operations with annual gross receipts of no more than $25K.

• Limit CUAs for services originating and terminating outside an NPS unit to incidental use of park resources.

• Only issue CUAs for commercial services that will have no more than minimal impact on resources and values of the park.

• Prohibit CUAs from constructing any structure, fixture, or improvement on NPS-managed lands.

• Limit the CUA term to a maximum two years with no renewal rights.

• Limit the number of CUAs or establish limiting conditions to ensure preservation and proper management of park resources and values.

A CUA does not exempt the holder or clients from NPS entrance fee requirements, nor does it grant automatic access to areas controlled by reservation systems or provide exclusive use of an area.

 

CUA Information

• Fees
• Permit Conditions
• Reporting Requirements
• Insurance Requirements
• Additional Assistance

What commerical activities may be permitted at the Castillo? 

There are currently two approved CUA activities at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument:

Educational Tours – Guided walking tours that take place on the grounds of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, to include the interior of the Castillo, which provide NPS-monitored information about the historical and cultural intersections of the Castillo.

Recreational Tours – Guided walking tours that take place on the grounds of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, excluding the interior of the Castillo, which provide information about the history of the Castillo and its impact on the myth and legend of the surrounding communities.

Please explore the links in the table to the right for more detailed information about CUAs at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. If you’re ready to apply, visit the NPS Commercial Use Authorization webpage to begin your application process.

Questions can be directed to the CUA Program Manager by emailing [e-mail].