EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – People trespassing on Santa Rosa Island Closed Test Area and in coastal restricted waterways face consequences, whether it’s a monetary fine or criminal prosecution.
There were 33 cases of trespassing on the closed test area resulting in $3,915 in fines from January 1 to April 23, 2026, and those numbers are increasing. That’s slightly more than half of the 65 reported cases in 2025 despite the red “closed area” signs identifying no trespass areas.
The closed test areas stretch 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, Northern District of Florida Pensacola modified the fines for violations of laws and regulations enforced by the U.S. within the boundaries of Eglin, to a minimum fine to $250. Violators 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, the 96th Test Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, restricted six waterways in 2025 due to emerging air and waterborne threats. People must now get a boating permit from the Eglin iSportsman website and use the check-in/out feature before entering and after leaving these waterways. These permits do not allow boaters to access SRI test area.
People recreating in or transiting through the coastal restricted areas without a permit will be stopped and boarded, questioned and potentially cited for trespassing. Failure to comply can lead to fines, possible criminal charges, and suspension of recreational access privileges across the Eglin Test and Training Complex.