What’s New in FY27
A. Regulation Updates & Important Reminders
1. All individuals 16 years of age (YOA) or older seeking to renew or purchase a new Eglin Recreation Permit MUST pass an annual background check. Current DoD ID holders are also subject to this new vetting requirement. An iSportsman account is required to apply for a background check. Background checks may take up to 72 hours for approval. See details in Section 3. Viewing an updated UXO Safety Briefing is also a new annual requirement.
2. All individuals 16 YOA or older accessing CRAs by waterborne vessel requiring state registration must undergo a background check, acquire the appropriate CRA permit, and utilize the iSportsman check in/out feature. Some exemptions apply. Access to CRAs is allowed two hours before sunrise to two hours post sunset. See details in Section 9.
3. The new iSportsman check in/out feature must be utilized when accessing or recreating within CRAs, dove fields, campsites, Jackson North MU, Jackson South MU, and Sikes MU. See details in Section 8.
4. General Gun Season Dog Unit Stamps are required for ALL hunters 16 YOA or older (includes those hunting with the aid of dogs and still hunters alike) seeking access to either the Sikes or Choctaw MUs during the Deer Dog Training and General Gun Seasons. Dog Stamps will be available first-come first-served both online and in-person beginning 1 October. Customers may purchase both a Sikes and Choctaw stamp, if desired. See details in Section 5.
5. It is illegal to discharge weapons down or across any road, any portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail, and any designated mountain bike trail in ALL management units. Discharging weapons from most roads in dog hunt units is still allowed. See details in Section 18.
6. The use of centerfire shotguns during Spring Turkey Season in TTAs G-16 and G-18 is prohibited.
7. The use of game cameras is prohibited within 50 yards of any named or numbered road, permanent Closed Area boundary, or infrastructure. All game cameras must be clearly labeled with the owner’s iSportsman permit number. Game cameras not meeting these requirements may be confiscated by law enforcement. See Section 18 for details.
8. Eglin public beaches on Santa Rosa Island and White Point Recreation Area are closed to public access from sunset to sunrise.
9. NOTICE TO HUNTERS: Trespass of dogs into closed areas (temporary or permanent) is a violation of the “Hunter Responsibility Rule” (68A-12.007, F.A.C.) and will result in Eglin recreation permit suspension and State/Federal citation(s) for the dog owner(s). Entering a closed area to retrieve dogs is also prohibited.
10. Electric bicycles of all types and classifications are prohibited on all Eglin beaches, the Brier Creek MUs, and portions of MUs designated as “motorized vehicles prohibited” (shown on Recreation Map as those areas with boundary outlined in a bold red line). See Section 12 for more information.
11. Eglin recreation permits are required for DoD-affiliated individuals as well as non-DoD civilians. A military ID and/or Common Access Card (CAC) alone does not permit recreational access on the Reservation.
12. All individuals are required to provide a photo ID and either printed or electronic copy of current Eglin recreation permit when requested by law enforcement personnel. Failure to provide such may result in Eglin recreation permit suspension.
13. Eglin recreation permits are not required for most outdoor recreation activities on Main Base (except hunting on portions of Main Base does require an Eglin permit, as well as applicable state licenses/stamps). More information on outdoor recreation opportunities on Main Base can be found at https://eglin96fss.com.
14. TTA C-52S within the Choctaw East MU is permanently closed to public access.