Requirements to ride in the Ocala National Forest

[GrizzlyBear]

the USFS now is requiring that you have your green sticker on your atv and carry a photocopy of your registration and a copy of a picture I.D. with you when you ride.  While the sticker says you have registered it, it does not prove that you are the owner, the copy of the registration does.  A copy of the title will also work.  Out of state riders should have the same thing, or if the state is a non title state, a copy of the bill of sale to prove ownership.  All riders over 16 should have a photocopy of a picture I.D..  Of course, the original will do,  but in all cases, as people say they are not carrying it for fear of losing it, thay will accept the photocopy.

Here are links as provided to me my Sewards:

ere are two links one for decal the other for titling.

Decal: http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/OHVGuide.pdf

Titling: http://www.floridatrailriders.org/OHV_Title_procedures.pdf

ONF OHV Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recreation/oca-OHV/index_OHV.shtml

[Tripyn]

Hey Grizz, what is the penalty if you DO NOT have this with you?  It is a fine, do they send you home, a warning?

[KB]

Tripyn,
 last time I was there Delancey wants a sticker like a boat sticker on your rear fender.
Big Scrub was not as strict last time I was there but it's been a couple months.

[GrizzlyBear]

They are giving warnings with you required to fax them proof within 14 days or they write a ticket.  This will change shortly.  It is the same everywhere in the Forest

[racemanfl]

Grizz  Can you still park by the power lines by Big Scrub?

[Tripyn]

Thanks Grizzly-I was pass the word on to friends at work.

[GrizzlyBear]

There are 3 parking areas along the power lines at Big Scrub.  They have porti potti's.  Park there.

[HondaATC]

Not anything you guys can do, but I thought it was interesting when I went in big scrub over the weekend that the 3 page flier they handed out with the rules did not have a single peep on it about having to have a registration sticky, or copy of the title on person. The last page did explain how to get a sticker or title from the DMV however.

[Stewards]

The picture ID is what ties everything together. Without that they have no way of knowing who you are. You would think they could use a database to list state registration numbers, with a name, and the only thing you would have to carry is a photo id. Much like the tag offices do.

[sykolincoln]

well Im from georgia and I got stoped one day last year and the ranger was an ass! ( i posted on this before) I had called ahead and found out that since im from a state that requires no registration all I had to have was a bill of sale and ID well... I had BOTH! and he was calling me a lair and saying that I still needed to have a registration, and I was like how the hell do you expect me to register if i dont live in the state?! he was like thats not my problem, it was an older guy with a grey beard/gotee just so you know. half the time I even wounder if the rangers know the rules.. and then sometimes they take them WAY to seriously, just this last weekend I was down there as we were coming out of a trail we came apon the powerlines and one of my group (younger kid) didnt know it was the power line, came out and went past those markers of were to ride by about 2 ft ACCIDDENTLY... he turned in and got back with the group. a ranger saw this and we took off (mind you we didnt think anything was wrong) she custs us off and tell us that we were in violation I was like WTF for?? she said that he went past the line I was like he came out of the trail not knowing were he was!! big friggin deal, why dont you go grab the idiots  doing donuts in the ROAD! and leave the kids alone! its starting to be the only way to have fun there is to get away from scrub and into the forest as fast as you can.

[jamesb18cjdm]

The picture ID is what ties everything together. Without that they have no way of knowing who you are. You would think they could use a database to list state registration numbers, with a name, and the only thing you would have to carry is a photo id. Much like the tag offices do.

I don't understand why we have to be inconvenienced when the solution is as simple as this.  I always carry my ID on me but to require me to have a copy of the registration just seems pointless since they know who owns it just by looking it up.  The copy of the registration could be falsified anyways just set up the database and you'll know for sure.  Spend some of our money your taking and do it already, and don't require it until you've done it right.

[HondaATC]

Its just another thing to make it more difficult for us to go and ride there, and to get frustrated with it to the point that no one goes anymore. Its working pretty good on me.

[ScooterB]

When I go out in my boat I have all the required documents.

Why should it be any different for my quad.

As long as the public is informed of the documents required

[LeBlanc Outdoors]

It's simple on your boat you are required by Fl Statute.  In ONF you are bound by internal fed and state agency internal regulation, promulgated by whatever wild hair someone has across their XXX, in an effort to make your ability to ride your ATV more difficult.   Look at what they did at Picayune Strand, every time Forestry stepped forward to allow access, FWC under empowerment of Federal regulations stripped it away to bring forth their goal from the start, COMPLETE CLOSURE.  They were successful there, and are getting close @ ONF.

[Stewards]

Scooter - The question is is everyone informed, not just the public is everyone on the same page?? When the ONF goes to a sticker for riding that is another sticker you will have to place on the bike or something else you will have to carry with you.

Simple solution - all stickers should be renewed when you renew your license, and the sticker should be placed on your license. The quad is registered your carrying one license and everyone should be happy.

[KB]

Bounty's right, most of ONF has been closed. (Foot traffic Only)

[NPRVinson]

I didn't think I would ever say it but I doubt I will go back to ONF. We went today and rode part of the trail system at the north end. It pretty much sucked. I saw no hint of trail grooming, some very dangerous areas for two way traffic (blind corners on 5' wide trails), and now have to buy a sticker. Maybe when of if more trails are opened it might be ok. It's sad I been doing to ONF for over 30 years and now it's to the point where I don't care to go back.

[shawnley1222]

UTV's dont need to be registered correct?

[wheelie_boy]

I am a little confused...  The green sticker we get from the title place?  My atvs are already titled however I do not have a green sticker.. How do I get one?

[palatkat]

take your title with you to your local tag office or tax collector and ask for an OHV(off highway vehicle) sticker

[Waterfreak66]

Does anyone know if you have a bike like my BF750 w/a back seat w/back rest and passenger pedals, will they let my wife ride passenger and would she have to pay an operator fee.  Pic of bike is:

[tekhanto]

I think IF it was originally made for 2 ok      if not NO

[Waterfreak66]

Not originally made for 2.

[stgsali]

Do you know if a tagged for the street, dual sported XR650R, needs one of those little greenies? Taking all the fun out of riding off-road.

[GrizzlyGator]

Do you know if a tagged for the street, dual sported XR650R, needs one of those little greenies? Taking all the fun out of riding off-road.

I have no earthly idea but I'm gonna guess since it's tagged then its registered and then you can prove ownership etc....i would say no green sticker......IMHO 

[Waterfreak66]

Do you know if a tagged for the street, dual sported XR650R, needs one of those little greenies? Taking all the fun out of riding off-road.

Directly from the US Forest Service Website for Ocala:

"Any vehicle defined by the State of Florida as legal for use on state roads (licensed vehicles) does not need the pass to use the current 80 miles of mixed-use trails.  Dual Sport Bikes that have a license plate are included in this; however, if the Dual Sport Bike rides on the ATV or motorcyle-only trail, then they must buy the pass.

Licensed vehicles can only operate on designated travel ways in the Forest, which include 80 miles of mixed-use trails and numbered roads."

See http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recreation/ocala_ohv.shtml

[F3RR3T]

they can I disagree ive lived here 19 years. im not going to register my bike etc etc just because they want more money in there pocket.

good luck catching me

[D33411]

Question regarding the green sticker.  That stick is good forever, correct?  It isn't like a car registration sticker that you have to get a new one each year?  Thanks, Dawn

[AintSkeered]

It's not just about taking more money from you. No disrespect intended, but, most thieves don't have a tag(license plate) or a green sticker, either.

[novadave]

Question regarding the green sticker.  That stick is good forever, correct?  It isn't like a car registration sticker that you have to get a new one each year?  Thanks, Dawn

Its good for as long as you own the quad.

[Johnny Rotten]

I too have a UTV that is not required to be registered in the state of Florida. Do we just show proof of purchase and an I.D.? Or is there a way to get the sticker without registration?

I would like to plan a trip to go there at the end of the year but I want to have everything in order.

[GrizzlyBear]

the State of Florida just setup a classification to handle UTV's.  The next thing will be the ability to register them, just don't know when.

[Johnny Rotten]

But until that happens, right now do we just show proof of purchase and an I.D.? Or do we need something else? When we do ride there will be four of us. Two RZRs and two Rhinos all not registered in Florida.

[GrizzlyBear]

Just bring whatever you have as proof of ownership

[Johnny Rotten]

Got it... Thanks,   

[bareback]

I read the information on this post and it is a bit out dated. We want to ride at Big Scrub this weekend and want to be legal. If we have our titles ands Id's will that be enough or do we still need the dreaded green sticker? Do they issue the green sticker at the tag place or do you have to wait? We have moved up from Port Saint Lucie and have property in RR but would like to ride closer to home. We are also looking for people to ride with in this area. Should I be able to by passes at the trail head entrances?

Please let me know what else would be helpful in order to get to ride.

Thanks Susan

[mrbones]

You'll need the green stickers. You can get them at the tax collector office (DMV). Bring your title in and just pay for the sticker. You can buy a pass at a trail head. I've seen them at Rodman Dam and Lake Delancy (not sure about Big Scrub, anyone?). They are self serve. You put your money in and get a pass.

[bareback]

Thanks for the information.

[ridgerunner]

They have them at Big Scrub also

[tekhanto]

IS this a yearly sticker also ??

[D33411]

When I got my green sticker, I was told it was a one time thing only.  I am sure eventually it will be yearly, but not yet. 

Where is the Rodman Dam?  Thanks, Dawn

[Thrasher]

one day i went to register my truck at the tag office, asked about the green sticker for my atv, they looked me up on the computer and bam! got the green sticker and registration right there...didnt have my title with me....but it was in the system.
so it seems if you are the owner and it is titled, u should be able to get the green sticker/registration pretty easily with no hassle while at the tag office.

I was also told it's a one time shot as well.

[johndoe83]

If you have a ATV thats 2001 or older, they usually dont have a title, I had to go to the taxcollector in royal palm beach, and file for a title with tallahasee, which cost me $150....I did this when it was legal to ride on the roads, 4 months after I paid the $150 and paid for the registration sticker, they made it illegal to ride in Palm Beach County.

Those A holes got me for over $150 and made me register my ATV for no reason.

Then I changed my plastic on my ATV so my sticker wasnt on my new plastics, went to ocala, with my title, just incase and they said I couldnt ride...went all the way to ocala, with my title, they said i couldnt even be in the camp ground???

So we parked up the road and said F**K the police, road ocala all day then had to come back home....never got caught.

Shi**y drive and sucked that we couldnt stay, but I wasnt gonna drive for nothing!

They do just want your money! dont waste your time at those places...go to l-cross or underhills they are closer and dont need the sticker!!

[Johnny Rotten]

...They do just want your money! dont waste your time at those places...go to l-cross or underhills they are closer and dont need the sticker!!

But they don't have the trails...

I agree with you though, but that is all the government ever does.  Take your money and don't give you anything to show for it.

Wasn't the money for the registration supposed to go to new ATV/UTV spots all around Florida?  How long has it been since they started collecting this fee? And how many new trail systems or riding areas has the gov'ment opened up with all these millions?  The private spots that people want to open the gov'ment just wants to bump heads with.  Why not use some of the monies collected to help these places get started. (I know, I know, the money is already spent on other things...)

Damn-it... I'm done. I'm getting off my soapbox and going to bed.

[johndoe83]

I totally agree!!! They told me the money goes towards local riding areas, BUT THERE ISNT ANY in Palm Beach County!!!

L-Cross actually has a nice long trail system....kinda whooped out....but still nice.

[Thrasher]

dont waste your time at those places...go to l-cross or underhills they are closer and dont need the sticker!!

closer for yourself maybe... i think Ocala is closer than Buckhead Ridge is to me...and River Ranch is even closer than both of em!

man, i havent been to L-cross in a few years...