Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024
(1)
Activities not authorized in this section, posted on the Land or specifically
authorized under a Special Use Authorization or otherwise in writing by the
District are expressly prohibited and subject to prosecution. Compliance with
these rules does not preclude the need to also comply with State law and/or
other applicable state and federal rules.
(2) The following activities are allowed,
subject to the conditions, restrictions, and/or site conditions specified
herein:
(a) Bicycling is allowed on all
District lands open to the public unless restricted by signage.
(b) Boating for recreation is allowed on all
District-owned waterways provided:
1. Boats
launched from trailers must use boat ramps.
2. Boats must not be operated in a manner
which could harm persons, plants, animals, or other natural resources.
The District shall prohibit or restrict boating in specific
areas as needed to ensure public safety, resource protection, and protection of
District facilities or equipment, including limitations on engine horsepower,
speed, or vessel type and shall be specific to a water body. Areas closed to
boating and boating restrictions shall be posted by
signage.
(c)
Camping is only allowed on District lands at approved locations and as
permitted by a Special Use Authorization issued by the District under Rule
40B-9.1411, F.A.C.
(d) Commercial activity on District lands may
be allowed pursuant to prior written authorization in the form of an agreement
or lease with the District. A person proposing any commercial activity on
District lands must submit the following minimum information to the District:
1. Name and address of business;
2. Name and address of business owner or
person responsible;
3. Type of
activity to be conducted;
4.
Statement justifying the need for the proposed commercial activity in order to
facilitate public access and/or use of District lands for a resource-based
recreational purpose;
5. Number of
participants;
6. Dates and duration
of the proposed activity; and,
7.
Signed statement committing to abide by all District requirements.
Any proposed commercial activity that will exceed one year in
duration, require exclusive use of an area of land, or result in monetary
consideration to the District, may only occur under a lease agreement approved
by the Governing Board pursuant to Rule
40B-9.145, F.A.C.
The District will review the request for compatibility with
the applicable land management plan and notify the applicant in writing.
Requests to exclusively use a specific site that will impede the public's use
or for uses that will degrade the property will be
denied.
(e) Dogs
are allowed on District lands provided they are on a leash or caged at all
times unless consistent with authorized uses in state wildlife management areas
and federal wildlife refuges or specifically authorized by the District through
a Special Use Authorization issued under Rule
40B-9.1411, F.A.C. Other types
of domesticated animals, such as cats, are prohibited on District
lands.
(f) Horseback riding is
allowed on all District lands on marked equestrian trails and on all roads open
to any public use except where such use is specifically prohibited by signage.
Animal-drawn vehicles, such as wagons and buggies, are allowed on all public
roads on District lands open to motorized vehicles. The person responsible for
bringing equine onto District lands must have unexpired, written proof of a
negative Coggins test result for each animal.
(g) Fishing for recreation is allowed on
District lands as authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, unless otherwise posted.
(h) Group recreational, educational or public
service uses are allowed on all District lands open to the public provided a
Special Use Authorization is issued by the District under Rule
40B-9.1411, F.A.C.
(i) Hiking and other resource-based
recreational purposes, such as photography, nature study, orienteering, are
allowed on all District lands open to the public except where specifically
prohibited by signage. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "hiking"
includes jogging, wildlife viewing, or any other recreational activity where
travel is by foot only and does not include another activity described in this
chapter.
(j) Hunting for recreation
is allowed in Florida wildlife management areas in accordance with applicable
wildlife management area rules of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, in United States national wildlife refuges subject to permit, and
on District lands as designated and identified by signage. The District may
allow hunting on lands not designated through a Special Use Authorization
issued under Rule 40B-9.1411, F.A.C.
(k) Motorized vehicle use is allowed on
District lands on public and secondary roads, and in other areas designated by
signage. Public and secondary road access is dependent onsite conditions or
management activities. Details concerning road availability for public use may
be obtained at the District's headquarters and on the District's website:
www.srwmd.state.fl.us. The use of
motorized vehicles on District lands is subject to the following requirements:
1. All motorized vehicles must be licensed
for use on Florida highways.
2. All
motorized vehicle operators must be licensed as required by Florida
law.
3. All motorized vehicle
operators must comply with posted speed limits. If no speed limit is posted,
the speed limit is 20 mph.
4. Under
Section 316.192, F.S., driving a
motorized vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons
or property is considered reckless driving. Pursuant to Section
316.1925, F.S., any person who
drives a motorized vehicle shall drive in a careful and prudent manner, having
regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic and all other attendant
circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb or property of any person.
Failure to drive in such a manner is punishable under Section
316.655, F.S.
5. Emergency motorized vehicles on District
lands are not restricted to roads open to the public or to the 20 mph or other
posted speed limits.
(l)
Picnicking is allowed on all District lands open to the public, unless
otherwise posted.
(m) Research uses
are allowed on all District lands provided a Special Use Authorization is
issued by the District under Rule
40B-9.1411, F.A.C., and further
provided that if the proposed use will close or restrict public access, a
contract or lease with the District is required.
(n) Swimming is allowed on District lands
only in areas designated by signage.
Rulemaking Authority
373.044,
373.083,
373.1391 FS. Law Implemented
373.056,
373.093,
373.096,
373.099,
373.1391,
373.1401
FS.
New 4-1-93, Amended 5-31-09, 7-21-10,
5-9-17.
