Florida Plant Collecting
Regulations and Permitting
University of Florida Herbarium (FLAS)
Plant collecting in Florida, whether for scientific, commercial or personal purposes, is, in most cases, subject to a variety of regulations. The information presented here is intended to help the plant collector determine which permits are necessary and how to obtain them. The laws and regulations in this regard are complex and subject to frequent change in content and interpretation. No claim to the accuracy and thoroughness of this information is made. Contact the agency responsible for administration of each regulation for current policy.
Two types of regulation should be considered when plant collecting:
Special protection and regulation of species.
Right of access to property where the plants are growing.
LEGALLY PROTECTED SPECIES |
Aquatic and Wetland Plants
Endangered Species
Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species
- Introduction or Release of Plant Pests, Noxious Weeds, Athropods, and Biological Control Agents (Rule Chapter 5B-57 of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry) under authority from the Florida Statutes, chapter 581 (sections 031, 083, 091)). It is unlawful to introduce, possess, move, or release any arthropod or noxious weed regulated by these rules except under permit issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The list of species controlled under these rules is extensive. Contact The Division of Plant Industry for details (also see the: Plant Inspection page).
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service Federal noxious weed program is designed to prevent the introduction into the United States of nonindigenous invasive plants and to prevent the spread of newly introduced invasive plants within the United States. Important sections include: regulations and the the Federal Noxious Weed List.
- Noxious Weeds in the United States and Canada (a USDA supported part of the Invaders Database System) provides a searchable database of the noxious weed lists for all U.S. states and six southern provinces of Canada. The database can be searched by plant name, state name, or by clicking on a map.
You should have permission of the property owner or responsible agency for all properties on which you collect plants. This includes:
- Florida State Parks. Natural and cultural resources are protected on all Florida State Park lands and may not be removed without written permission. Collection of materials is only allowed for scientific and educational purposes under the Research/Collection Permit program.
- National Parks. Permission is required to collect plants in U.S. National Parks. The U.S. National Park Service has created a Research Permit and Reporting System web site embedded in the Nature Net / Science sections. The site covers all National Park units in the United States.
- National Forests (USDA, Forest Service). Permission is required to collect plants in National Forests. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with current policy and the potential biological impact of the collecting. Researchers should contact the respective forest district or the state national forest office for permit applications. The National Forests in Florida web page provides an overview of the four forests in the state (Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Ocala and Osceola) and contact information.
- State Forests
- Private Property. Permission of the land owner is required before you cross onto and collect plants from private property.
- Transportation Corridor Right-of-Ways (Highways, Railroads, etc.)
- U.S. Military Bases, Naval Air Stations and Training Facilities.
LINKS TO OTHER SITES WITH PERMIT INFORMATION |
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Edited by: Kent D. Perkins, University of Florida Herbarium
Page last updated: 2 April 2008
Copyright ©, 1995-2009 University of Florida Herbarium / Florida Museum of Natural History