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:
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Collect a reasonable fee that recovers NPS costs for the administration and management of the CUA, at a minimum.
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Take appropriate steps to limit the liability of the United States arising from the provision of visitor services under the CUA.
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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.
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Limit CUAs for services originating and terminating outside an NPS unit to incidental use of park resources.
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Only issue CUAs for commercial services that will have no more than minimal impact on resources and values of the park.
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Prohibit CUAs from constructing any structure, fixture, or improvement on NPS-managed lands.
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Limit the CUA term to a maximum two years with no renewal rights.
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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.
