Facility Rules and Policies

Rules and Policies

  1. Bird sanctuaries: Several beaches are closed to visitors year-round to support nesting colonial seabird habitat. Additionally, other bird or turtle nesting sites may be marked with stakes and flagging. These areas should also not be entered.
  2. Pets are not allowed on Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. Service animals are approved.
  3. The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or refuge property is prohibited. (Deceased) Seashells are the only item that may be collected.
  4. Hunting, alcohol, fireworks, camping, open fires and glass containers and prohibited.
  5. Hours: Egmont Key is open from sunrise to sunset. 
Rules and Regulations:

Open from sunrise to sunset.

The following items and activities are:

Permitted:

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Wildlife Observation
  • Picnicking
  • Shelling
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Boating
  • Swimming

Prohibited:

  • Pets
  • Littering
  • Hunting
  • Camping
  • Open Fires*
  • Intoxicants
  • Nudity
  • Fireworks
  • Kites
  • Metal Shovels
  • Kite Surfing
  • Glass Containers
  • Parasailing
  • Probing Equipment/Metal Detectors

*Grilling is allowed on the beach if contained in a portable grill. No grilling in dunes.

Do Not:

  • Enter protected areas or bird sanctuaries
  • Feed/disturb wildlife and/or plants
  • Take/collect live shells or artifacts
  • Construct any structure structure
    Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

    Learn more about structure
    (forts, shelters)
  • Disturb by audio (person or wildlife)

A USFWS permit is requires to conduct commercial operations or research activities.