Commercial Use Authorizations

Important Dates

The 2026 CUA application period for Dry Tortugas National Park is CLOSED.

We will begin accepting new CUA applications for 2027 from November 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

November 1 - CUA application window OPEN for the next calendar year.

December 31 - CUA application window CLOSED. CUA applications will NOT be accepted after this date.

February 28 - Annual Reports due for previous calendar year of operation. If your Annual Report is late, your current CUA will be suspended until we receive your Annual Report. Management Fees are due 2 weeks after your Annual Report is accepted and approved. If your Management Fee payment is late, your current CUA will be suspended until we receive your Management Fee payment.

 

---

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that: are determined to be an appropriate use of Everglades National Park; will have minimal impact on Everglades National Park’s resources and values; and are consistent with Everglades National Park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

Do I Need a CUA?

A CUA is required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that: take place at least in part in Everglades National Park, use park resources, and result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA. You must be in possession of a valid CUA to conduct business in Everglades National Park.

Dry Tortugas from above, NPS Photo

How To Apply For A CUA

All CUA applications are processed through the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

Watch this instructional video on using the online CUA Application and Reporting System.

**This CUA will be valid for a two-year period, from January 1, 2027 –December 31, 2028.**

2026 Application Timeline	Information
Applications Open	November 1, 2026
Applications Due	December 31, 2026
Current Status	CLOSED

• The application window opens on November 1, 2026 and closes December 31, 2026. CUA applications will not be accepted after December 31, 2026.

• If an application is received before 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on December 31 but is incomplete, the applicant has until January 31 to complete the application. After January 31, incomplete CUA applications will be denied/closed, and the applicant will have to wait until the following year to apply.

• Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.

• We require up to 30 days to process a complete application and issue the final authorization. The 30 days commences when all the required documents and information of the CUA application are submitted by the applicant. CUA applications are processed in the order received.

Required Documents

The following documents (if applicable) must be uploaded onto the online CUA Application and Reporting System:

1. Insurance Certification Required for all CUA applicants.

2. Operating Plan Required for all CUA applicants. You must submit an activity-specific Operating Plan with each CUA application. In the Park and Service Description section of the application, in the 'Service Type Description' field, please identify general locations you will be operating within DRTO. Also include number of clients, and whether you will be operating half day, full day, or multi day trips. Here's an example of what to include:

   Guided Fishing, Full and Multiday
   Garden Key, East/South of the RNA
   Maximum passenger capacity: 6 persons

 

3. See the table below to learn about which required documents and reporting are needed before applying for each authorized activity and services types.

Authorized Activity	Qualifications and Requirements	Required Reporting
Charter Fishing	U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License for each captain operating in the park Vessel registration(s) or Documented Vessel Certificates Vessel insurance certificates State of Florida Fishing License(s) for each captain General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured) Proposed Operating Plan Business License	All Monthly Reports Annual Report
Non-motorized Tour Includes: Kayak/Canoe tours Photography Birdwatching Eco Tours Environmental Education	Drivers License for each operator CPR/First Aid and AED Vessel Registration (If using to transport visitors in park) Vessel insurance certificates (If using to transport visitors in park) General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured) Proposed Operating Plan Business License	All Monthly Reports Annual Report
Motorized Boat Tour Non-Tour Transportation Services Includes: Camper Transport	U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License for each captain operating in the park Vessel registration(s) or Documented Vessel Certificates Vessel insurance certificates General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured) Proposed Operating Plan Business License	All Monthly Reports Annual Report
SCUBA/Snorkel Tour	U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License for each captain operating in the park CPR/First Aid and AED SCUBA certifications commensurate with the level of diving/instruction being provided PER service provider Vessel registration(s) or Documented Vessel Certificates Vessel insurance certificates General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured) Business License	All Monthly Reports Annual Report

Which CUA Do I Apply For?

Be sure to apply for the correct CUA.

Please contact us if you have any questions prior to submitting your application.

**If you apply for the wrong CUA, your application will be denied and you will have to reapply for the correct CUA and pay the application fee again.**

Non-Tour Transportation Services + −

• Transport (Non-Tour) CUA

  If you provide frequent and scheduled transportation services to and from the park, including but not limited to shuttle services; and/or transportation services within the park to drop off and pick up passengers at trailheads, parking areas, pullouts, and developed areas, you would apply for a Transport (Non-Tour) CUA.

CUA Fees

The CUA fees are as follows:

Fee	Amount	When It Is Due
Application Fee	$350	Due at submission.
Management Fee	$1,000	Covers both years, due February 2028 after year one.

All payments must be made via the online CUA system.

Reporting

Reporting Requirement	2027 Requirements
Monthly Reports	ALL Dry Tortugas CUA holders must submit monthly reports through the online CUA System. Reports are due by the 15th of each month for the previous month’s operations.
Annual Report	February 28 - Annual Reports due for previous calendar year of operation.

 

Ready To Apply?

Once you've read the information on this page and are ready to apply, click the button below to learn about the program requirements and the application process.

If you've read the information on this site and believe you're ready to apply, click the button below to access the application.

I'm Ready To Apply

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

View frequently asked questions about Commercial Use Authorizations below.

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)? + −

A CUA is an NPS business permit allowing approved commercial activities and visitor services within a national park.

What does the Federal law (PL 105-391, Section 418) require? + −

CUAs must protect park resources and visitors, support park purposes, comply with regulations, limit federal liability, and recover reasonable administrative costs.

Do you expect the CUA process to change in the future? + −

Yes. The National Park Service is developing national regulations governing appropriate CUA operations.

Do I or my company, group or organization need a CUA permit? + −

A CUA is required when commercial goods or services use park resources and result in compensation, benefit, or profit.

What constitutes a commercial tour or service? + −

A commercial tour or service involves recreational travel packaged, priced, or sold by an organization for financial gain.

Are there limits on the number of CUA permits that can be issued? + −

Yes. The current FAQ also lists the updated 2026 CUA fee amounts.

Is there a cost for the permit? + −

Yes. The 2026 fees are a $350 application fee and a $1,000 management fee for two-year permits.

How do I apply for a CUA? + −

Applications are processed through the CUA Application and Reporting System . Review the instructions and required supporting documentation before applying.

Once a CUA is issued, what are the reporting requirements? + −

Operators must submit monthly visitation information through the online system and complete an annual report.

Can a CUA be denied, suspended, or revoked? + −

Yes. Failure to follow authorization requirements may result in denial, suspension, or revocation. Email us for the policy.

How do you fill out the CUA Application? + −

Review the instructional material for guidance on completing the online CUA application here.

Dry Tortugas National Park CUA Suspension and Revocation Policy

The Commercial Use Authorization Denial, Suspension and Revocation Policy is intended to provide guidance regarding the actions taken in the event of a permittee violation (as defined in this policy). The Superintendent, at his or her discretion, may take actions other than those identified and retains the authority to immediately suspend, restrict or revoke a CUA or deny a future CUA application for reasons not covered in this policy memorandum.

NPS CUA Program

Learn more about Providing Visitor Services Through CUAs on the NPS CUA webpage.

CUA Directory

To view the public directory of current CUA holders, please go to Dry Tortugas National Park CUA Directory

CUA Office contact information

Email: CUA Assistance
For direct assistance with Commercial Use Authorizations: 305-242-7744

Superintendent's Office

Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, Florida 33034-6733

 

How to Apply to do Business in the Park

Prior approval from the Superintendent, in the form of a Commercial Use Authorization, is required before any business operations can begin in the park. All activities must be in compliance with the general regulations for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Commercial Use Authorizations for Dry Tortugas National Park are coordinated through the Superintendent's Office at Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, Florida 33034-6733.

• Go here to get the information you need to apply for a CUA.

• Frequently Asked Questions