EGLIN AFB
AIR FORCE
Valparaiso, FL
United States
EGLIN AFB
AIR FORCE
Valparaiso, FL
United States
Eglin AFB
Base Essentials
One of the largest military installations in the world by land area on Florida's Emerald Coast — a major combat airpower and special operations testing hub with some of the best beach access of any military posting.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFMC
Status
Active
Est.
1935
Acres
464,000
Active Duty
9,000
Civilian
7,000
Population
285,000
Economic Impact
$5.6 billion
Eglin AFB History
Named AfterLieutenant Colonel Frederick Irving Eglin
Eglin Air Force Base in northwest Florida is one of the largest military installations in the world by acreage, encompassing over 460,000 acres of reservation and 120,000 square miles of overwater airspace. Established in 1935, it has been the Air Force's premier armament development and testing center for decades. Today Eglin is home to the 96th Test Wing and the Air Force Research Laboratory's Munitions Directorate, as well as the 33rd Fighter Wing, which conducts F-35 Lightning II pilot and maintainer training. The base is central to virtually every air-delivered weapons program in the U.S. inventory and will continue to grow in importance as advanced munitions and fifth-generation aircraft capabilities evolve.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
96th Test Wing
—
—
33rd Fighter Wing
—
—
Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate
—
—
Historic Timeline
1935
Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Range Established
1942
Doolittle Raiders Train at Eglin Field
1946
Air Proving Ground Center Established
2010
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Training Begins
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1935
Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Range Established
The Army Air Corps established the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Range in the Florida Panhandle in 1935, taking advantage of vast Gulf Coast airspace, undeveloped land, and overwater ranges for weapons testing and aerial gunnery training. The installation would grow into the world's largest air force base.
1942
Doolittle Raiders Train at Eglin Field
In March 1942, Lt. Col. James Doolittle and his 80 volunteer airmen trained at Eglin Field for 30 days, practicing short-field B-25 Mitchell bomber takeoffs from a simulated carrier deck. On April 18, 1942, the raiders struck Tokyo and four other Japanese cities in the first American attack on the Japanese home islands.
1946
Air Proving Ground Center Established
Eglin Field became the Air Proving Ground Center — the primary facility for testing and evaluating all Air Force weapons systems. Eglin's 724-square-mile land and water ranges made it the largest air force installation in the world and the nation's premier site for weapons development and testing.
2010
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Training Begins
Eglin Air Force Base was designated as the primary F-35 Lightning II training base, receiving aircraft for the 33rd Fighter Wing and beginning operational test and evaluation of the world's most advanced multi-role combat aircraft. Eglin became the hub for training U.S. and allied F-35 pilots and maintainers.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Eglin AFB.
Eglin AFB Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Eglin AFB.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Eglin AFB.
Information
Your Guide to the Air Force Armament Museum Near Eglin AFB
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Information
What To Expect When You Tee Off at the Shalimar Pointe Golf Club
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Information
23 of the Best Eglin AFB Restaurants
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Information
19 Of the Best Things to Do Near Eglin AFB
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Information
Eglin AFB Housing: 6 On-Base Options
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Eglin AFB.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
Phone
(850) 882-9060Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
In-Processing
Upon arrival at Eglin AFB, report to your unit's Commander Support Staff (CSS) or orderly room. The CSS handles initial processing and schedules you for Base In-Processing ("Base Intro"). If your unit does not have a CSS, contact the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) at (850) 882-6331. The Eglin Visitor Center (100 Museum Dr, (850) 882-0791) is open daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM for base access assistance. Bring at least 10 copies of your orders.
Base In-Processing is conducted at Building 205, 502 W. Van Matre Ave, in the Nehilla Room, running from 7:15 AM to approximately 3:00 PM. The session includes briefings from Personnel, Finance, and the M&FRC. Finance in-processing is held separately every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 AM in Building 210, Room 243. Note: the MPF closes for training every Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Permissive TDY for house hunting (up to 8 days) requires completing in-processing first.
The M&FRC at Building 205 ((850) 882-9060) offers the Loan Closet with cookware, dishes, small appliances, futons, and microwaves on 30-day loan (Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM). A mandatory monthly Newcomer Orientation is held the first Wednesday of each month at the Enlisted Heritage Hall (1760 Memorial Trail). Active-duty members are required to attend; spouses are welcome. The M&FRC also provides 20 hours of free childcare per child during PCS, spouse employment assistance, and EFMP support.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Eglin AFB.
On-post housing at Eglin Air Force Base is managed by Emerald Coast Military Housing, a Lendlease partnership that operates family communities across the installation in the Florida Panhandle near Niceville and Valparaiso, with 2- to 5-bedroom homes featuring modern finishes, energy-efficient appliances, private yards, and access to community pools, fitness centers,…
Local Market
$1,900/mo
rent
/
$420,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Eglin AFB
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Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Eglin AFB.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
2
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
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2
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Eglin AFB is the largest Air Force base in the world by area, spanning three counties in the Florida Panhandle. The base is home to the 96th Test Wing and hosts special operations units. The surrounding Emerald Coast communities — Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Destin, and Crestview — offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. This is a highly sought-after assignment for Air Force families.
Niceville
Suburban
Niceville is the most popular community for Eglin AFB families and consistently ranks among the best military communities in the entire Air Force. It sits just east of the base with outstanding schools in the Okaloosa County system (consistently A-rated), low crime, beautiful Boggy Bayou waterfront, and the Bluewater Bay planned community that's become especially sought-after. The beaches are 20 minutes away.
Commute: 10–20 min
Gate: East Gate / Mid-Bay Bridge
Schools: Okaloosa County School District
Families with kids
Dual military
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Boggy Bayou offers boating, kayaking, and fishing right from the neighborhood. Bluewater Bay is a master-planned community with resort-style amenities. Destin and Fort Walton Beach beaches are 20 min away. One of the most coveted assignments in the Air Force for quality of life.
Fort Walton Beach / Shalimar
Suburban
Fort Walton Beach and adjacent Shalimar offer beach access and a more relaxed coastal lifestyle for Eglin families who want to prioritize the Emerald Coast experience. FWB has more dining, entertainment, and nightlife than Niceville, and Okaloosa Island is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the Gulf. The commute to Eglin's main gate is slightly longer than Niceville but still very manageable.
Commute: 15–25 min
Gate: Main Gate (Hwy 85)
Schools: Okaloosa County School District
Single service members
Outdoorsy types
Dual military
Families with kids
Gulf of Mexico beaches are literally minutes from most neighborhoods. FWB's commercial strip has excellent dining, bars, and retail. Air Force Armament Museum is on Eglin's doorstep. One of the best beach-access postings in the entire military.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Eglin AFB.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Florida has no state income tax. Active duty pay, military retirement, and SBP payments are all completely untaxed at th…
Spouse Income Tax
No state income tax means MSRRA has no practical effect. Military spouses owe zero Florida income tax on wages regardles…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident service members stationed in Florida are not required to register their vehicles in Florida — SCRA home-stat…
Property Tax
Tiered exemptions by disability rating: 10%+ service-connected disability = up to $5,000 reduction; 100% permanently dis…
Pet Policies at Eglin AFB
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Eglin AFB.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Eglin AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(850) 882-2233Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Eglin AFB.
Commissary
1
Eglin AFB Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
96th Medical Group — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Eglin AFB.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
West Gate is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Eglin AFB Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Daily 9am–7pm.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Eglin AFB has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
96th Medical Group is the primary military treatment hospital serving Eglin AFB. Call (850) 883-8221 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Eglin AFB has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Eglin AFB has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Okaloosa County School District (rated A) serves most military families at Eglin AFB. Visit https://www.okaloosaschools.com for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Eglin AFB restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Eglin AFB Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Eglin AFB.
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10
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Eglin AFB has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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11
Is military pay taxed in Florida?
Florida has no state income tax, so military members at Eglin AFB owe no state taxes on military pay, allowances, or retirement income.
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12
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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13
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Eglin AFB.
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14
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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15
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Eglin AFB.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.