Beginning in the summer of 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be allowing airboat operation in designated areas by permit only on the refuge.
All refuge regulations are found on the Rules and Regulations page of this website.
Permit Type: Non-hunting AirboatWhen: Allowed only by permit on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July to November. Non-hunting airboat use will be temporarily suspended during all hunting seasons that occur from July to November.Where: 13,900 acres accessible from the Hillsboro Area boat ramp.Number of permits available: Up to 10View Map: Non-hunting Airboat Map (revised version includes latitude line)ViewSpecial Conditions for Non-hunting Airboat Permit (revised version includes COVID-19 guidelines)
How to ApplyThere will be an open period when applicants can apply for the lottery. To be considered for the lottery, applicants must do the following (1) successfully complete the Airboat Operator Course, (2) read the special conditions, and (3) fill and sign an Airboat Special Use Permit Application. Applicants can submit their application to the refuge by email or by mail, the contact information is listed below. The refuge must receive your permit application, or it must be postmarked, by the deadline listed. Lotteries will be conducted and successful applicants will be notified of the results. Applicants may submit one application per permit annually.How to Get the PermitOnce you have been chosen in the airboat permit lottery, you must make an appointment to bring your airboat to the refuge for an airboat inspection. Airboat permits will only be issued to airboats that pass inspection. After the airboat passes inspection, the applicant will receive a decal to affix to their boat. View and/or print the Airboat Inspection List.
Acceptance PeriodSuccessful applicants will be notified by refuge staff of lottery results. If a successful applicant does not accept the offer and pay for the permit by the acceptance deadline, the permit offer will be withdrawn and the permit will be made available to the next applicant on the waiting list.Fee PoliciesPermit fee: $100 fee per permit annually. Fees are non-refundable. There is no cost to apply. A check or money order made payable to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepted.TransferabilityPermits are non-transferable and are assigned to a specific boat. Each airboat operator must complete the online training course and be listed on the Airboat Special Use Permit Application to operate an airboat on the refuge.Requirements to ApplyApplicants must be 18 years of age before operating an airboat on the refuge.No Show PolicyIf a permittee forfeits their permit for any reason, the permit will not be refilled until the following open period to apply for the lottery.
Follow the numbered instructions:1. Take the Airboat Operator CourseClick here to launch the Airboat Operator Course2. Read the Special ConditionsDownload and read Special Conditions for Non-Hunting Airboat Use3. Complete ApplicationInstructions: You may fill the application out online and submit via email, or you may download and print the application and submit by mail. If submitting by mail, please write legibly as this application will be used to notify you of the lottery results. If submitting by email, please type "Non-hunting Airboat Application" in the subject line. Some boxes in the application are pre-filled; please fill in all empty boxes, and don’t forget to sign your name at the bottom. You must submit completed SUP application during the open lottery dates listed. By signing this special use permit application you are agreeing that you are the individual who took the Airboat Operator Course, and that you understand your responsibilities while operating an airboat in the Refuge.Download the Non-Hunting Airboat Permit - Special Use Permit Application (not available) and submit application during the open period.
Instructions: Permit applicants need to complete these boxes only:Box 2-8: Applicant informationBox 9: List of known subpermittees who have completed the Airboat Operator CourseBox 19: Acknowledge completion of Airboat Operator CourseBox 23b: Provide descriptions, license plate, or I.D. numbers of vehicles or boats to be usedBox 26: Sign and date
Once your application is complete, submit your application:
By email: armloxahatchee@fws.gov By mail: A.R.M. Loxahatchee NWR ATTN: Airboat Permit Application 10216 Lee Road Boynton Beach, FL 33473Please call 561-735-6020 if you have any questions.
