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Policies & rulesthe fine print, kept short

A few rules keep 520 acres safe, quiet and beautiful for everyone. Please read the sections that apply to your visit.

Everyone

General park rules

These apply everywhere on the property, every day.

HoursMon–Thu 8 AM – 5 PM · Fri–Sun 7 AM – 7 PM (Central). Passes are purchased at the dive shop.
Admission$15 per person, $10 for kids 12 and under, free 4 and under, plus sales tax. Day passes exclude the diving area, lodging and camping.
Quiet hoursMidnight to 8 AM across the park. No excessive noise at any time.
EmergenciesDial 911.

Guest-initiated activities

  • Selling, advertising, soliciting or displaying goods or services is prohibited without our prior written approval.
  • Bartending, or selling or serving alcohol to the public or other guests, is strictly prohibited.
  • Guest-initiated events that impede operations or obstruct parking, sidewalks, driveways, roadways or traffic are prohibited.
  • We may prohibit, cancel, suspend or restrict any activity without notice or refund when necessary for safety, security or order.

Event weekends

Season passes are valid Wed, Thu and Mon of event week but not Fri–Sun. Event tickets and season passes are non-refundable, and admission may be revoked without refund for misconduct or violation of park rules.

See Events

Camping rules

Check-in 1 PM · check-out 10 AM · campers arriving before 1 PM are charged for the previous night
  • All campers must be 21 years old to camp without a parent or legal guardian. Proof of legal guardianship required — we I.D.
  • Camping prices are per night. Prices may be higher on major holidays and holiday weekends and are subject to change without notice.
  • Scuba diving fees are not included.
  • Two admission passes are included per site; extra guests are $10 per person, per night. A 5% service fee is added per site reservation.
  • Campsites must be clean and orderly at all times.
  • No chainsaws. Do not cut or nail anything to trees or vegetation.
  • No camping on the grassy areas surrounding the spring or the spring run.
  • Quiet hours are 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM. No excessive noise is permitted at any time.
  • All other regular park rules apply.

Lodging rules

Check-in 4 PM · check-out 11 AM
  • You must be at least 21 years of age to make an on-site lodging reservation, or to stay in our accommodations without a parent or legal guardian.
  • Full payment is required at the time of booking.
  • Prices may be higher, and a minimum-night stay may be imposed, over holiday weekends or during special events.
  • Rates are based on two-person occupancy and include park admission for two; extra guests are $10 per person, per night.
  • If any items are removed from your room or any damage is done to the property, your credit card will be charged a minimum of $150.
  • Treasure Chest and the group rooms sleep 10.
Divers

Scuba diving rules

Every diver agrees to these at check-in. Full diving info is on the Diving page.

  1. All diving guests must register at the dive shop, pay the applicable pass fees and sign a waiver/release form. Minors need the signature of a custodial parent or legal guardian.
  2. Diving passes expire at 11 PM.
  3. All scuba rental gear is a 24-hour rental. If you’ll be returning gear after hours, make arrangements with staff first.
  4. The minimum age for scuba diving is 10, regardless of supervision or certification.
  5. All minors must dive with a certified adult, regardless of whether the minor is certified.
  6. Divers must show proof of certification from a recognized agency, or be under the supervision of an instructor.
  7. Divers must read and abide by all posted diving rules.
  8. Divers must follow all generally accepted safe-diving practices.
  9. Divers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  10. Divers must dive within the limits of their certification.
  11. Divers must not enter the cavern or cave system without the proper certifications.
Trails & vehicles

Golf carts, ATVs, bikes & trails

Motorcycles, dirt bikes and 3-wheelers are prohibited property-wide. Everything else below applies to golf carts, ATVs and SXS/UTVs.

Bringing your own golf cart or ATV

  • Personal golf carts and ATVs are $10 per day plus daily admission. Subject to increase on adult weekends. ATVs may be prohibited at times — call for details.
  • You must provide proof of liability insurance, and sign the required agreement and waiver at the front desk.
  • SXS passes are subject to increase for special events. Call (850) 836-4979 for current trail access.
  • Horses are welcome on the trails. Trail access changes with weather and events, so call to check the trails are open before you haul in.

Cart & ATV rules

  • Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid driver’s license (learner’s permits are not accepted), and the license must stay with the driver.
  • Children may not sit on the driver’s lap or assist with driving. Young children may ride on a passenger’s lap only when properly secured.
  • Passengers must remain seated at all times — no standing.
  • Stay within the resort on roadways and designated paths, and park only in designated areas. Larger vehicles have the right of way — yield and keep right.
  • Headlights and taillights are required after dusk.
  • Obey posted signs and speed limits. No open alcohol containers or driving under the influence. No texting or handling devices while driving — hands-free only for calls.

Bicycles & recreational devices

  • Bicycles must have head and taillights after dusk. Florida law requires riders under 16 to wear a helmet.
  • Prohibited: drones, remote-control toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, personal watercraft and unstable wheeled devices with fewer than 3 wheels. Training wheels and modifications aren’t permitted.
  • Devices must be manually or electrically powered, ridden at walking pace, generally single-rider, and no more than 36″ wide × 52″ long. Ask at the front desk for details.
Horses welcome

Horseback riding — trail hours & rules

Ride safe · respect the trails · respect other riders. Horseback riding is permitted only during posted horseback riding hours.

Trail hours

  • Horseback riding is permitted only during posted horseback riding hours.
  • No horseback riding before the designated opening time or after the designated closing time.
  • All riders and horses must be off the trail system before trail closing.
  • Horseback riding may be temporarily suspended due to weather, trail conditions, maintenance, special events or safety concerns.
  • Riders must obey all posted signs, gates, barricades and instructions from Vortex Spring Adventures staff.

On the trail

  • Riders must remain on designated equestrian trails.
  • Horses are not permitted in swimming areas, the spring or other areas designated as off-limits to horses.
  • Riders must maintain control of their horses at all times.
  • No racing or reckless riding.
  • Walk your horse when approaching pedestrians, campsites, buildings, parking areas or congested areas.
  • Give appropriate right-of-way to other trail users and follow posted trail directions.
  • Riders must not intentionally frighten, harass or interfere with other riders, guests, animals or wildlife.

Horses, tack & clean-up

  • Do not tie horses to trees, signs, fences, buildings or other structures unless specifically designated for that purpose.
  • Riders are responsible for cleaning up manure in designated common-use areas, parking areas and staging areas.
  • Do not leave horses unattended in unauthorized areas.
  • Riders must use appropriate tack and equipment suitable for their horse and riding activity.
  • All riders are responsible for knowing and respecting their horse’s abilities and limitations.
  • No alcohol or drug-impaired riding.
  • Do not litter. Pack out all trash, feed containers and other materials brought onto the property.
  • Any horse displaying dangerous, uncontrollable or aggressive behavior may be required to leave the trail system.

Trail conditions & access

  • Vortex Spring Adventures may close equestrian trails when conditions could create an unsafe environment for riders or horses, or when riding could cause excessive damage to the trails.
  • Never enter a closed trail.
  • Horseback riding is a privilege. Management reserves the right to suspend or revoke trail privileges for unsafe behavior, failure to follow posted rules, property damage or failure to follow staff instructions.
  • Call (850) 836-4979 before you haul in to check that the trails are open for horses.
Campsites & cabins

Campfires

Personal fire pits are welcome at campsites and cabins only, when every condition below is met.

What’s allowed

  • A metal-sided fire pit with a metal or mesh cover, with flame height controlled.
  • Permitted fuels: wood, coal, artificial fire logs or propane.
  • Fire bay may not exceed 2 ft × 3 ft.

Keeping it safe

  • Keep the fire away from cabins, tents, RVs, shrubs and other flammable materials.
  • Attend the fire at all times, and keep an accessible water source nearby.
  • Fully extinguish the fire before you leave it — no embers may remain.
  • Outdoor activities, including personal fire pits, may be prohibited without notice depending on conditions.
Pets & service animals

Pets are welcome — in the campground only

Please keep pets in the campground and away from the water.

Pet policy

  • Pets are permitted in designated campground areas only.
  • Pets are strictly prohibited in or near the spring, swimming areas, water attractions, beaches, decks, docks, water-entry points, slides, swimming platforms and other posted water-restricted areas.
  • Pets are also prohibited in lodging, restaurants, retail areas, bathhouses and other areas where prohibited by law or posted rules.
  • Pets must stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet outside a vehicle, RV, cabin or enclosed area, and must remain under control.
  • Don’t leave a pet unattended if it creates a safety concern, excessive noise or a disturbance. Clean up and dispose of pet waste immediately.
  • Excessive barking, aggressive behavior and disturbances aren’t permitted, and guests are responsible for any damage their pet causes.

Service animals

  • Service animals are not pets. We comply with applicable federal and Florida law — a qualifying service animal is permitted wherever the guest is otherwise permitted to go.
  • No pet fee or certification/documentation may be required solely because of a qualifying service animal.
  • Service animals must remain under the handler’s control and may be excluded when legally permitted — for example if out of control, not housebroken, or presenting a legally recognized direct threat that can’t be resolved with reasonable measures.
Reservations

Payment & cancellation policy

Payment

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking for camping and lodging.
  • A 5% service fee is added per site reservation.
  • Prices are subject to change without notice and may be higher on holidays, holiday weekends and special events.

Cancellations

  • Cancel or reschedule at least 72 hours before your arrival date for a full refund, minus processing fees.
  • Cancellations inside 72 hours forfeit the first night’s fee; any remaining balance is refunded. Reschedules can only be made at the time of cancellation.
  • If you don’t check in on your arrival date or the following day, the reservation is cancelled as a no-show and the first night’s fee is forfeited.
  • Event tickets and season passes are non-refundable.

Questions about a reservation?

Email Reservations@vortexspring.com or call the dive shop at (850) 836-4979. General inquiries: info@vortexspring.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we get asked most.

The spring

How cold is the water at Vortex Spring?
A constant 68°F year-round — refreshing in July and surprisingly swimmable in January. Divers usually wear a 5–7 mm wetsuit; swimmers are fine in a suit.
How deep is the gate at Vortex Spring?
The basin is 50 feet deep at the cavern mouth. The cavern then runs about 100 yards to the security gate at 115 feet, where the cave system begins. No cavern or cave entry without the proper certification.
Do you have to pay to get into Vortex Spring?
Yes. Day admission is $15 per person, $10 for kids 12 and under, and free for 4 and under (plus sales tax), purchased at the dive shop. It covers the swim area, slides, jumping platforms, rope swing, beach and public areas. Diving needs a separate $25 diving pass, and snorkeling the cavern is a $6 add-on.
Are you ever at capacity?
Vortex Spring Adventures is a very unique property with plenty of overflow parking, but overnight camping and lodging may be limited. If you have already purchased a valid daily admission pass, you may come and go as you please throughout the day, even if the property reaches capacity after your arrival — simply keep your valid wristband or proof of admission with you when you leave and return.
Are there lifeguards on duty?
Please plan to swim at your own risk and keep an eye on the kids — call (850) 836-4979 if you’d like to confirm current staffing before your visit.

Diving

Can I scuba dive without a certification?
Not on your own — divers must show proof of certification from a recognized agency or be under the supervision of an instructor. If you’re not certified yet, Discover Scuba ($150, gear provided) puts you in the water with an instructor, and NAUI Open Water certification is $605.
What’s the minimum age to dive?
10 years old, regardless of supervision or certification, and every minor dives with a certified adult. Junior Open Water certification is available for ages 10–14.
Can I rent gear?
Yes — the full-service dive shop rents complete packages (from $45/day on multi-day rentals) and individual items like BCDs, regulators and wetsuits, plus air and nitrox fills. Masks, fins, boots and snorkels aren’t rented individually. Rental gear is a 24-hour rental. Tubes and paddleboards are available too.

Camping & lodging

What time is check-in for camping and lodging?
Check-in is 4 PM for both. Check-out is 10 AM for camping and 11 AM for lodging. Campers arriving before 4 PM are charged for the previous night.
Are there grills in the campground?
Yes — each of the 40 water & electric sites has a picnic table and a grill.
Are campfires allowed?
Yes, at campsites and cabins — in a metal-sided fire pit with a metal or mesh cover, fire bay no bigger than 2 ft × 3 ft, burning wood, coal, artificial logs or propane. Keep it away from tents, RVs and shrubs, keep water nearby, attend it at all times and fully extinguish it before you leave. Outdoor activities including fire pits can be restricted without notice depending on conditions. Never attach lanterns to trees, and never cut or nail anything to trees or vegetation. Full details are on Policies & Rules.
What does a campsite include?
Park admission for two (rates are based on two-person occupancy), a picnic table and grill, water and electric hookups (no sewer — a dump station is available), and room for up to 8 people, 2 vehicles and 2 tents. Extra guests are $10 per person per night; personal golf carts and ATVs are $10 per day plus daily admission.
How old do I have to be to book?
Campers must be 21 to camp without a parent or legal guardian, and you must be 21 to make an on-site lodging reservation.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Full payment is due at booking. Cancel with at least 72 hours’ notice for a full refund minus processing fees. Inside 72 hours, or on a no-show, the first night is forfeited.

Around the park

Are pets allowed at Vortex Spring?
Pets are welcome in designated campground areas only, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and you’re responsible for cleaning up after them. They’re strictly prohibited near the spring, swim areas, water attractions, decks, docks, slides and platforms, and in lodging, restaurants and retail areas. Qualifying service animals are permitted wherever guests are otherwise allowed to go. Full details are on Policies & Rules.
Is alcohol allowed at Vortex Spring?
Personal alcohol is fine for guests of legal age, but bartending or selling/serving alcohol to other guests is strictly prohibited. Divers must never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and admission may be revoked without refund for misconduct or violating park rules.
Is there a restaurant on-site?
The dive shop has snacks and drinks, and every campsite has a grill. Call for what’s currently available on the property, and there are restaurants a short drive away in Ponce de Leon and Bonifay.
When can I ride the trails?
Horses are welcome, and side-by-sides and UTVs ride the trails too. Trail access changes with weather and events, so call before you come. SXS passes are subject to increase for special events.
Can we host our wedding at Vortex?
Yes — Rustic Ranch Farms seats 299 indoors with unlimited outdoor seating, and your guests can stay on property. Email Reservations@vortexspring.com with your date and headcount for pricing.

Can’t find your answer? Call the dive shop at (850) 836-4979 or email Reservations@vortexspring.com.

Still have a question?

The dive shop is open every day — Mon–Thu 8 AM – 5 PM, Fri–Sun 7 AM – 7 PM (Central).