• Law Enforcement and Regulations

Manatee Zone - USFWS Photo

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – General Regulations

All local, State, and Federal regulations apply on the Refuge. Specific Refuge regulations are addressed in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations. In addition you are reminded of the following:

• The Refuge is open during daylight hours only (from 1/2-hour before sunrise to 1/2-hour after sunset).
• Camping, open fires, feeding or baiting of wildlife, swimming in Refuge canals, or entering any area posted with area closed signs is prohibited.
• All domestic pets (dogs, cats, etc.) must be properly confined, leashed (10-foot maximum), or haltered and under owner control at all times. 
• Littering or dumping of garbage, refuse, sewage, debris, or other wastes or poisons is prohibited.
• The use of a spotlight, automotive headlight, or other artificial light to spot, observe, locate, or take any animal on the Refuge is prohibited.
• Taking, possessing, injuring, disturbing, damaging, destroying, or collecting any plant or animal (or attempting these actions) is prohibited.
• Destroying, defacing, damaging, disturbing, or removing any private or public property, including any natural object or artifact, is prohibited. The use or possession of metal detectors or similar devices is prohibited.
• Disturbing, molesting, or interfering with any person engaged in an authorized activity is prohibited. Engaging in any act of indecency or disorderly conduct (as defined by State or local laws) is prohibited.
• Entering or remaining on the Refuge when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited.
• Begging or soliciting in any form or conducting a commercial enterprise on the Refuge is prohibited.
• Carrying, possessing, or discharging firearms, fireworks, or explosives is prohibited. Firearms may be possessed, used, or transported only by persons with a Refuge permit and engaged in public hunting.
• Carrying, using, or possessing cross bows, bows and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs, or other weapons is prohibited
• Hunting and fishing are subject to State and local regulations, seasons, and bag limits. Only the use of pole and line, rod and reel, or cast net is permitted. A Refuge permit is required for hunting.
• The speed limit on all Refuge roads, unless otherwise posted, is 15 miles per hour. State traffic laws that govern the use and operation of vehicles apply on the Refuge.
• Traveling outside of designated routes of travel is prohibited. Designated routes of travel are shown on the Refuge maps or as posted with road closed, no vehicle, or foot traffic only signs.
• Operating any vehicle or boat that does not bear valid license plates or identification numbers and that is not properly lighted, certified, registered, or inspected according to State laws is prohibited. ATV's (3-wheelers,       4-wheelers, dirt bikes, etc.) are prohibited.
• Stopping or parking a vehicle (either attended or unattended) on a road, trail, or firelane such that it blocks the free movement of other vehicles is prohibited.
• Carrying, using, or possessing paintball guns or paintball markers is prohibited.
• Any act of indecency or disorderly conduct is prohibited.

For details and/or definitions pertaining to any refuge regulation, please consult the refuge manager.

Merganser - USFWS Photo