Critical Wildlife Areas Florida

Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs) are established by the FWC under a Florida Administration Code rule to protect important wildlife concentrations from human disturbance during critical periods of their life cycles, such as nesting or migration. For each CWA, the boundaries and periods of time when portions of the area may be posted are defined in the CWA establishment order. Public access is prohibited within CWAs if posted, “Closed to public access.” Dogs, vehicles and vessels are also prohibited from posted areas. The boundary may be larger than the posted area due to the dynamic nature of habitat structure and use. Thus, the area closed each year may change.