Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation
Where to Ride In Florida
A title is required for all OHVs (all-terrain
vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles and off-highway motorcycles) operated on all public
lands where OHVs are allowed. Visit the Trip Planning page for information on obtaining a title. Riders are cautioned
that additional laws and rules apply to the operation of
OHVs.
Rules and regulations for riding OHVs at specific sites
are subject to change. Please call the site prior to departure
to check for hours of operation, track/trail conditions, weather
conditions, planned events or other factors that may affect your visit.
OHV Sites on Public Land
State Forests
Rule Highlights on State Forests:
- A permit is required to ride within the motorcycle area. The permit must be displayed on the front of each motorcycle and ATV. Currently, ROVs are only being permitted at Tate's Hell State Forest.
- Titled vehicles only may be used.
- All motorcycles and ATVs will be required to have mufflers in accordance with the Florida Highway Patrol handbook.
- Pets are not permitted.
- Firearms are not permitted.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Visit Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation On State Forests for complete information
Misc:
Tate's Hell State Forest
290 Airport Road
Carrabelle, Florida 32322
Withlacoochee State Forest
15003 Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34601-4201
Croom Motorcycle Area offers OHV users many miles of trails to explore that range from basic to challenging. The terrain includes hardwood hammocks, scrub and numerous pits left from discontinued mining operations. A day use area offers visitors picnic tables and restrooms. Overnight camping is available at the Croom Motorcycle Area Campground. Note: Currently, ROVs are not permitted at Withlacoochee State Forest.
National Forests
Rule Highlights on National Forests:
- Cross-country travel is prohibited with either motorized vehicles or bicycles through the national forests.
- Within restricted areas, travel by motorized vehicles and bicycles will be permitted only on designated roads and trails specified for their use.
- ATVs and other unlicensed motorized vehicles are prohibited on National Forest System Numbered Roads. 36 CFR 261.54(d)
- It is prohibited to possess or use ATVs or unregistered motor vehicles off National Forest System Roads from 1 1/2 hour after sunset to 11/2 hour before sunrise. 36 CFR 261.56
- US Forest Service Trail Fundamentals
Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola Ranger District
P.O. Box 579, Hwy 20
Bristol, FL 32312
Telephone: 850/ 643-2282
Wakulla Ranger District
57 Taff Drive
Crawfordville, FL 32327
Telephone: 850/ 926-3561
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Ocala National Forest
Lake George Ranger District
17147 E. Hwy 40
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Telephone:352/ 625-2520
Seminole Ranger District
40929 State Road 19
Umatilla, FL 32784
Telephone: 352/ 669-3153
|
Osceola National Forest
Osceola Ranger District
P.O. Box 70
Olustee, FL 32072
Telephone: 386/ 752-2577
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National Preserves
Obtaining a recreational off-road vehicle permit for using an ATV, ATC, swamp buggy or street legal 4X4 in Big Cypress National Preserve is a four step process. An operators permit, an inspection sticker, annual vehicle permit and a orientation course taken are required to operate an OHV in the Preserve. Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are not permitted in the preserve's backcountry.
Rule Highlights on National Preserves:
- An Operator's permit, an inspection sticker, an annual vehicle permit and an orientation course are required to operate an OHV in the Preserve.
- Permits may be obtained only Friday-Monday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Permit process will take approximately 45 minutes at the ORV Visitor Center.
- Call the ORV Visitor Center at 239/ 695-1205 before bring your vehicle in for inspection.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be located and will be recorded.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve Off-Road Vehicle Permit System
National Park Service
Big Cypress National Preserve
C/O ORV Visitor Office
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Fl. 34141
Telephone: 239/ 695-1117
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission currently allows OHV use on some of its properties on named and numbered roads during non-hunting periods. For information on riding in FWC areas, please contact the regional offices as listed below or visit the
FWC website:
Northwest Region
3911 Hwy. 2321
Panama City, FL 32409-1658
Telephone: 850/ 265-3676 |
Northeast Region
1239 S.W. 10th Street
Ocala, FL 34474-2797
Telephone: 352/ 732-1225 |
North Central Region
Route 7, Box 440
Lake City, FL 32055-8713
Telephone: 386/ 758-0525 |
South Region
8535 Northlake Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33412
Telephone: 561/ 625-5122 |
Southwest Region
3900 Drane Field Road
Lakeland, FL 33811-1299
Telephone: 863/ 648-3203 |
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Other Locations On Public Land
Suwannee River Water Management District
Mallory Swamp
9225 County Road 49
Live Oak, Fl. 32060
Telephone: 386/ 362-1001
or 800/ 226-1066 (Fl. only)
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OHV Sites on Private Land
Off-Highway Vehicle Use is available on some privately owned sites (some sites may require titles for each vehicle). Please contact the site for more information.
The following is a list of abbreviations for most motocross tracks in Florida, provided by ProSports USA.
- SX= Super Cross
- NT = Natural Terrain
- TL = Track Length
- ST = Soil Type
- CAMP = Camping
- $ = Camping Fee
- HU = Hook Ups
- RT = Restrooms
- PJ = Port-a-Johns
- SH = Showers
- CON = Concessions
- BW = Bike Wash
Public land is everyone's fun place, but it is also home to wildlife... Please respect their needs.
