Facility Rules and Policies
Rules and Policies
- Bird sanctuaries – Several beaches are closed to visitors year-round while some beaches are closed seasonally. These closed beaches offer colonial sea birds and shorebirds and sea turtles the undisturbed nesting and loafing habitat that they need to survive.
- Only service animals are allowed on Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.
- The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or refuge property is prohibited. Only dead sea shells can be collected along the island’s shores.
- Hunting, alcohol, fireworks, camping, open fires, glass containers and several other activities are also prohibited.
- Egmont Key is open from sunrise to sunset only.
Open to public 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
*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.