Florida Caching Policy

[palmetto]

Properties in Florida where specific permission is required on cache placements, with links to online applications and property lists or maps where available:
LINKS MAY BE OUTDATED - I keep them updated on my profile.

State Forests are issuing permits for caches Fl State Forests. Contact individual forest offices.
The Charles Bronson Forest (formerly named the Little Big Econ State Forest) is closed to new caches.


Properties mananged by Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This includes State Parks Fl State Parks
Greenways and Trails DEP Greenways and Trails,
and Aquatic Preserves DEP Aquatic Preserves. Verbal permission is acceptable, provide the name and contact info of person giving permission.

FWC properties where they are the lead manager [http://www.myfwc.com/RECREATION/WMASites_ByLocation.htm]FWC Lands[/url] require a geocache permit.
Online guidelines and application for permit [http://www.myfwc.com/RECREATION/WMASites_geocaching.htm]FWC geocaching[/url]. Latching metal containers. They do acknowledge receipt of the permit application. Response time highly variable.


The following Park systems ask that you get permission:

Collier County Parks contact them for a permit
(transparent containers)

City of Gainesville Nature Parks now have a geocaching policy and permit.

Lake County Parks pdf please contact Kim Hicks Park Ranger/Geocache Program Manager Lake County Parks and Trails khicks@lakecountyfl.gov

Lee (transparent containers) Lee County Parks see geocaching link in the upper right corner of that page. Contact Elizabeth A. Wilder Park Ranger 239.461.740 work, 239.839.7215 cell 239.432.2030 fax email awilder@leegov.com

Marion County parks issue a geocaching permit
On that webpage, under forms, see Geocache application

Miami-Dade Parks and Preserves - Permission is required to place a geocache in Miami-Dade County Parks or EEL lands (Preserves) Please contact Sonya M. Thompson, Restoration Biologist Sonya@miamidade.gov Miami-Dade County Park & Recreation Department, Natural Areas Management 22200 SW 137 Ave., Miami, FL 33170 305-257-0933 x 228 Phone 305-257-1086 Fax

Orange County geo-permit available at each park office Orange Co Parks

Palm Beach, NEW Northwest section opened in RiverBend Park (March, 2010) Please contact Rangergirl141 about caches there

Pinellas County Pinellas Co Parks contact the manager of each individual park.

Pinellas County Environmental Lands are closed to geocaching.

Sarasota Sarasota Parks and Natural Areas geocaching permit, transparent containers.

St Johns St John's County Parks The contact person contact person at Parks dept is Will Smith email is wsmith@co.st-johns.fl.us

Sumter Sumter County Parks, contact E-Mail Lita.Hart@sumtercountyfl.gov and within Sumter County the City of Wildwood.

The following County Agencies:

Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands their online permit

Hillsborough County Preserves caches need to authorized through their offices. Please contact Thomas Weekes, Environmental Specialist WeekesT@HillsboroughCounty.org


Lake County Water Authority contact individual property managers

Polk County EEL Lands Contact Tabitha Biehl Tabitha Biehl (863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polk-county.net

Seminole County Wilderness Areas contact Amy Raub araub@seminolecountyfl.gov or by phone at 407-349-0959.
As of December 01, 2006 Seminole Natural Lands is closed to new geocaches while they evaluate their geocaching policy.


These Water Management Districts

South Florida Water Management District
online geocaching permit.
They don't acknowledge receipt of the permit app. Response time varies from a few weeks to months.

St Johns Water Management District
online geocaching permit. They don't acknowledge receipt of the permit app. Response time varies from a few weeks to months.

Suwannee River WMD
contact - Suwannee River Water Management District
9225 County Road 49Live Oak, FL 32060
(386) 362-1001 Fax: (386) 362-1056
Toll Free 800-226-1066 (FL only)

Cemeteries are generally private properties, not intended for recreation. Please provide the name and contact information of the person who gives you permission for a cache. If the cemetery is publicly owned (city, county, state) please tell me the name of the public manager. Please describe the cache in relation to graves.

[palmetto]

Lake County Park has been added to the list above March 08

[palmetto]

Miami-Dade county parks and preserves added to the list above on June 23 2008

[palmetto]

Pinellas County Preserves closed to geocaching; added 12/10/08

[MLord&mlady]

Can't seem to find information in these threads about Osceola County Nature Preserves.
Can you enlighten us?
Thanks
M'Lord and m'lady

[isonzo karst]

If there's nothing posted here about a particular property manager, it means that there's no known policy re geocaching by that manager. That would be the case for Osceola County Nature Preserves

[Clan Riffster]

The Charles Bronson Forest (formerly named the Little Big Econ State Forest) is closed to new caches.

Hey Meg, I think the Charles Bronson State Forest is a seperate chunk of land than the Lil Big Econ. If memory serves, it's the big piece south of the Kilbee Unit.
Also, caching will soon be making a comeback to the Lil Big Econ. I've been working with Joy Schlusemeyer, Senior Forester, who will be overseeing their permit process.
Bob's also working with her, just to make sure all the "I"s get crossed and the "T"s get dotted.

[Hebrew Hammer]

FWC updated url: http://www.myfwc.com/RECREATION/WMASites_geocaching.htm

[palmetto]

The ranger at RiverBend park in Jupiter (Palm Beach County) Florida, would like to approve any new caches in the newly opened NORTH WEST section of the park. There are a number of historical or archeological sites wherethey'd prefer no caches be placed.
If you're thinking of placing a cache in the new park section, please contact Rangergirl141

[palmetto]

Marion County parks issue a geocaching permit

On that webpage, under forms, see Geocache application

[palmetto]

Updated St Johns River Water Management Geocache application link and a few others