Rules and Regulations

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Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge regulations are in place to support, protect, and preserve the unique natural resources that are found on the refuge, including nesting sea turtles, but also natural and scenic resources, as well as to enhance public safety and enjoyment of the refuge.


National Wildlife Refuges are places where wildlife comes first. Although people are welcome, activities are regulated and monitored to ensure that impacts are minimal to the plants and animals that call the Refuge “home”. Below is a partial list of rules and regulations for Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. If you are unsure about an activity, please call the Refuge at (772) 581-5557.

Refuge Specific Regulations:
The Refuge is open daily for nature photography, wildlife observation, fishing, environmental education and interpretation.

Permitted:

  • Hiking, wildlife observation, and photography only in areas open to public use and on designated trails. 
  • Firearms and weapons possession in compliance with Federal and State Law.
  • Sport fishing. State regulations apply.
  • Beach Access through Brevard and Indian River County beach parks, and Sebastian Inlet State Park
  • Beach use i.e. swimming, surfing, sunbathing

Prohibited:
  • Hunting
  • The taking, harassing, injuring, feeding, enticing or disturbing of wildlife and plants including sea turtle nests
  • The use of an artificial light to view or take wildlife. Outdoor and indoor lights visible from the beach after 10 pm May through October
  • Nighttime entry through county public beach accesses
  • The release of any animals or plants into the Refuge
  • Metal detectors and searching for and taking of artifacts or objects of antiquity on the Refuge
  • All litter must be removed from the Refuge and placed in proper trash receptacles 
  • Motorcycles, ATV’s, or other motorized vehicles off road, the beach or on foot trails
  • Fires of any type, fireworks, camping
  • Entry into areas posted as closed
  • Use of firearms
  • Entering or remaining on the Refuge when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Possession of alcohol by minors. Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia.

Partner lands within the Archie Carr Partnership Refuge have their own regulations. Please consult our Partner Lands page for their information.

Brevard and Indian River County ordinances apply on the beach. Including sea turtle protection ordinances sea turtle protection and pet ordinances - http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/ordinances/ .

Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations:

eCFR Wildlife and Fisheries (Click to View online as listed below)

Parts 10 – 16: Taking, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, barter, exportation and importation of wildlife and plants
Part 17: Endangered Species
Part 18: Marine Mammals
Part 19: Airborne Hunting Act
Part 20 – 21: Migratory Birds
Part 23: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)
Part 25 – 32: National Wildlife Refuges