TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- From fishing and hunting to swimming and enjoying the beach, there are plenty of fun things to do on Tyndall, but base visitors must be aware of and follow the rules including one they may not be familiar with: the requirement to have a Recreational Permit.
All non-Department of Defense individuals must have a Recreational Permit to use Tyndall’s natural resources. This does not apply to anyone boating around Tyndall, unless they step onto the beach. It also does not apply to anyone who normally has access to the base, such as active duty, Guard, and Reserve military members, retirees and civilian contractors.
“A big reason for the recreational passes is to safeguard the security of the base,” said Jared Kwitowski, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Resources wildlife biologist. “They ensure that background checks have been done for every person visiting Tyndall.”
The Recreational Permit is $11 and includes a background check for the applicant. It lasts a full year from purchase date and allows access to all of the ungated areas of the base.
To access the gated areas of Tyndall AFB south of U.S. Highway 98, non-DoD individuals must acquire a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) card, an identification card that enables the base’s 325th Security Forces Squadron to validate the holder.
Both of these items have been requirements for visiting the base for about two years and can be registered for at https://tyndall.isportsman.net/.
Step-by-step instructions on the website walk the user through the permit requesting process. Non-DoD individuals must ensure they request the background check, or their permit request will be denied.
Tyndall is home to a lot of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. To ensure their safety, the following rules must be adhered to at all times while on the base’s beaches:
- No dogs, camping or glass containers while on the beach.
- No fires or artificial lighting are allowed on the beach.
- No operation of motor vehicles, except for authorized personnel performing official duties.
- Do not go around locked gates or access blocked off areas.
- Do not walk on the sand dunes or sea oats.
“We have 47 endangered or threatened species on this base,” said Donald Jenkins, 325th CES Natural Resources conservation officer. “These rules guarantee the protection those species.”
Fishing and hunting permits for Tyndall can also be purchased on https://tyndall.isportsman.net/, but a corresponding state license is also required before those permits can be purchased.
Those with access to the base can also purchase permits in person at the Natural Recourse office from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays.
With summer officially here, Tyndall is a place everyone can enjoy. For more information on the regulations or permits call the Natural Resources office at 850-283-2822 or visit https://tyndall.isportsman.net/