Which Plants Are Considered Non-Prohibited Aquatic Plants?
Native aquatic plants are usually defined as “non-prohibited” aquatics. Native freshwater aquatic plants are regulated to protect from overharvesting.
Who Needs a Permit?
- Any person seeking to collect any native freshwater aquatic plant.
- Any person seeking to engage in business activity involving non-nursery cultivation unless exempted by Rule 5B-64.011, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
- Aquatic plant nurseries registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) seeking to engage in the importation, transportation, sale or possession of any aquatic plant unless exempted by Rule 5B-64.011, F.A.C.
- Any person seeking to collect freshwater aquatic plants for the purpose of habitat enhancement or restoration projects in sovereignty (public) lands.
Please note: When undertaken on non-sovereignty (private) and sovereignty (public) lands, activities exempted from permitting requirements under Rule Chapter 5B-64, F.A.C., must be authorized by the landowner.
How to Obtain a Permit
- Any person seeking to engage in business activity (importation, transportation, sale or possession) must be a registered plant nursery with FDACS.
- Complete an FDACS-08450 Application for Permit to Collect Non-Prohibited Aquatic Plants [ Adobe PDF Document ] listing the plant species to be collected.
- Email a signed application to DPI-Permits@FDACS.gov or mail a paper copy of the form to: Division of Plant Industry — Permit Section, P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville, FL 32614-7100.