What is a CUA?
A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that:
- Are determined to be an appropriate use of Biscayne National Park,
- Will have minimal impact on the park’s resources and values; and
- Are consistent with the park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
A CUA is required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
- take place at least in part in Biscayne National Park,
- use park resources, and
- result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
The Following Services Have Been Deemed Appropriate AND Require CUAs in Biscayne National Park
- Boat tours and transportation (including charters)
- Marine towing and salvage
- Guide and Charter Fishing
- SCUBA and snorkeling tours
Requests to provide any service outside of this list requires additional consideration. Please contact BISC_CUA@nps.gov
