Commercial Use Authorizations


 

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What Are Commercial Use Authorizations?

Quite simply, a Commercial Use Authorization is a permit that allows a business to provide commercial services, like guided tours, to visitors within a national park. Not every type of business is eligble and businesses must apply and receive a Commercial Use Authorization to legally provide commercial services within a national park. There are different qualifications depending on which type of services the business will offer and there are requirements a business must meet in order to remain permitted. Read on and use the links provided here to learn more.

 

 

What types of services can my business provide?

See and expand the panels below to learn about which business types and services can be permitted with a Commercial Use Authorization as well as the qualifications needed befor applying.

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • 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) 

  • Business License 

  • Everglades Boater Education Certificate (*Everglades Only) 

  • Pay.Gov Receipt showing proof of payment 

To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:

  • All Monthly reports from previous year 

  • Annual Report 

Non-motorized tours include, but are not limited to:

  • Kayak/Canoe tours
  • Biking tours
  • Hiking Tours
  • Photography
  • Birdwatching
  • Eco Tours

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Drivers License for each operator
  • CPR/First Aid and AED
  • Vehicle/Vessel Registration (If using to transport visitors in park)
  • Vehicle/Vessel insurance certificates (If using to transport visitors in park)
  • General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured)
  • Business License
  • Pay.Gov Receipt showing proof of payment

To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:

  • All Monthly reports from previous year
  • Annual Report

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License for each captain operating in the park.
  • Vessel registration(s) or Documented Vessel Certificates
  • Vessel/Vehicle insurance certificates
  • General Liability Insurance (USA must be additionally insured)
  • Business License
  • Everglades Boater Education Certificate (*Everglades Only)
  • Pay.Gov Receipt showing proof of payment

To keep your Commercial Use Authorization you will need to submit:

  • All Monthly reports from previous year
  • Annual Report
 

Did you know?

Section 418 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-391, authorizes the National Park Service, upon request, to issue commercial use authorizations to provide commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances.

 

What's in it for...

Businesses that are granted a commercial use authorization are:

  • Permitted to operate within the boundaries of Everglades National Park
  • Part of the team of people inspiring visitors to appreciate and care for the parks, their history, and their ecosystems
  • Listed on the park website

Through commercial use authorizations, Everglades National Park can:

  • Offer visitors additional experiences and ways to connect with the park that wouldn' be possible otherwise
  • Support the local economy through providing opportunities for small businesses
  • Monitor sport fish catch rates and fishing success by species and through time, track trends in fish populations in Everglades coastal waters
 

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.

Start Here
 

Last updated: February 2, 2023

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