Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation on State Forests
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OHV Pilot Program
Three-Day OHV Pass and Campground at Tate's Hell State Forest (pdf) OHV's on State Forests
State of Florida OHV Information:
There are two designated Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas on Florida state forests that offer many miles of trails to explore: Croom Motorcycle Area at Withlacoochee State Forest, and the OHV trail system at Tate’s Hell State Forest.
As an OHV rider on public lands you are responsible for knowing all rules and regulations that apply. When purchasing an OHV permit a complete listing of all rules and regulations will be provided. Rule compliance will help to assure this riding opportunity continues to exist.
It is important that all riders think 'safety first' and abide by all rules. Unforeseen hazards can exist and trail conditions are subject to change. Riding safely within your abilities and following all rules will reduce the risk to yourself and others.
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), and off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) are the only unlicensed motor vehicles allowed in designated OHV areas.
The law defines an all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as any
- Motorized off-highway vehicle 50 inches or less in width.
- Having a dry weight of 1200 pounds or less.
- Designed to travel on three or more low-pressure tires.
- Having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.
- Intended for use by a single operator with no passenger (unless designed by the manufacturer for a single passenger).
PHOTO: OHV riders at Croom Motorcycle Area.
- Motor vehicle used off the roads or highways of this state.
- Having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider.
- Designed to travel with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, but excludes a tractor or a moped.
A Recreational Off-highway Vehicle (ROV) is defined by law as any motorized recreational Off-Highway Vehicle:
- 64 inches or less in width
- having a dry weight of 2000 lbs or less
- designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires
- having a non-straddle seating and steering wheel
- manufactured for recreational use by one or more persons
The term ROV does not include a golf cart as defined in 320.01(22) and 316.003(68) or a low speed vehicle as defined in 320.01(42).
Fees and Permits For OHV's On State Forests
Florida Forest Service OHV permits are required for each off-highway motorcycle (OHM), recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV*), and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operating on state forests. OHV permits can be purchased at these locations:
Any OHVs operating on public lands must be titled, as required under Ch. 317, F.S., through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. To secure an OHV permit an applicant must have proof of title. OHVs from out of state may be exempt from this requirement, provided the state of origin does not require titling and/or registration of OHVs.
The OHV permit must be visibly displayed and permanently attached to the left front area of each OHM and ATV. Persons operating OHMs and ATVs without a permit will be subject to expulsion and or fine.
State Forest Rules For OHV Areas
PHOTO: OHM rider at Croom Motorcycle Area.
- OHV operators under the age of 16 are required to have direct adult (18 years or older) supervision.
- A person who has not attained 16 years of age must have in his or her possession certification of the satisfactory completion of an approved OHV safety course in this state or another jurisdiction.
- OHVs must be hauled or trailered to designated staging areas. OHVs must be ridden from the staging areas in low gear and only at walking speed.
- OHVs must remain on designated roads/trails. Any person found violating these rules is subject to fine, expulsion, revocation of permit, and/or impoundment of OHV.
- Unlicensed vehicles that do not meet the definition for ATVs, ROVs or OHMs are prohibited.
- Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to one half hour before sunset, except at Croom Motorcycle Area, which closes at 5 p.m. for day use. During hunting season only, licensed hunters with a valid permit may operate their OHVs from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
- All OHVs are required to have working exhaust systems and USDA (Forest Service) approved spark arrestors. Sound levels will be limited to 96 decibels in the A-scale [dB(A)].
- All riders must wear Florida Department of Transportation approved protective headgear designed for OHVs. All riders under the age of 16 must wear eye protection, over-the-ankle boots, and a safety helmet that is approved by the United States Department of Transportation or Snell Memorial Foundation. Eye protection is recommended for all participants.
- OHV operators are required to obey all traffic and information signs. All roads have a maximum speed of 30 mph, unless posted otherwise. No person shall drive any vehicle on managed lands at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions or in such a manner that disregards the actual and potential hazards.
- If parking on the shoulder of the road, please be considerate of other riders and vehicle traffic by making sure they can pass your vehicle.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all state forests.
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Withlacoochee OHV trails
- Florida Forest Service
Withlacoochee State Forest
Recreation/Visitors Center
15003 Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34601
- Telephone 352/ 754-6896
- Email Withlacoochee State Forest
Visitors Center Hours:
Monday - Friday, except holidays:
8:00 a.m. - noon & 1:30- 4:30 p.m.
Hours may change without notice. Please call ahead if you plan to stop by.
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Tate's Hell OHV trails
- Florida Forest Service
Tate's Hell State Forest
290 Airport Road
Carrabelle, FL 32322
- Telephone: 850/ 697-3734
Fax: 850/ 697-2892
- Email Tate's Hell State Forest
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