EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Eglin Air Force Base officials are warning that trespassing on the Santa Rosa Island Closed Test Area or entering restricted coastal waterways without authorization can result in fines, court appearances, and possible criminal prosecution.
Niceville.com Community Partner
There were 33 trespassing cases on the Santa Rosa Island Closed Test Area between Jan. 1 and April 23, resulting in $3,915 in fines, according to Eglin Air Force Base.
The total is already slightly more than half of the 65 trespassing cases reported in all of 2025, despite the presence of red “closed area” signs indicating no-trespass zones.
The closed test area stretches west of the El Matador Condominiums to Navarre Beach.
“People trespassing to access secluded beaches are putting themselves at risk because hazardous test activities occur there almost daily,” said Lt. Col. Michael Bruton, 96th Security Forces Squadron commander.
“Violators may also disrupt test operations, resulting in negative mission impacts.”
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida in Pensacola recently modified fines for violations of laws and regulations enforced within Eglin’s boundaries, establishing a minimum fine of $250.
Niceville.com Community Partner
Individuals issued a trespass citation must either appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in Pensacola or, if eligible, pay the fine.
In addition to people trespassing into the closed test areas, Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, commander of the 96th Test Wing, restricted six waterways in 2025 because of emerging air and waterborne threats.
People using those waterways must obtain a boating permit through Eglin’s iSportsman website and use the required check-in and check-out procedures before entering and after leaving the restricted areas.
Officials emphasized that the permits do not authorize access to the Santa Rosa Island test area.
People recreating in or transiting through the coastal restricted areas without a permit may be stopped, boarded, questioned, and cited for trespassing, according to Eglin.
Failure to comply can lead to fines, possible criminal charges, and suspension of recreational access privileges throughout the Eglin Test and Training Complex, officials said.
Niceville.com Community Partner
