Importing or moving exotic organisms (for example, insects, spiders, scorpions, noxious weeds, plant pathogens and nematodes) into Florida from any other state or country, or moving such exotic organisms within the state for any purpose requires a permit. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) reviews all permit applications to ensure that specimen identifications are scientifically correct and valid. We also render opinions on whether the applied-for permits to move or import organisms can be approved with suitable safeguarding of Florida's native and commercial agricultural resources.
Permit Fees
The permit fee is $12.50 per species for up to four or more species. There is a $50 maximum per permit.
Expiration
The permit is valid for up to four years.
Forms and Other Resources
Please follow the instructions provided below when printing and completing the forms listed.
- Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print forms. Skip this step if Adobe Reader is already installed on your pc.
- You can type electronically on FDACS-08208 then print and sign form. Print forms on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
- Original signed FDACS-08208 must be submitted for processing. Mail FDACS-08208 to: FDACS-Plant Industry, Attention: Permitting Team, P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville, FL 32614-7100.
- Type or print the entire FDACS-08208 form in blue or black ink.
- If fees are required, make check(s) payable to: DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY.
- Mail payment(s) to: Division of Plant Industry, Attention: Permitting Team, P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville, FL 32614-7100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a permit required?
By law, any organism that may pose a risk to Florida agriculture, become a nuisance, threaten native Florida wildlife, or pose a serious medical hazard to humans or livestock requires a permit to import into the state. The possibility of exotic pet arthropods becoming established is far from theoretical. The tarantula Brachypelma vagans has established a breeding population in Central Florida that has persisted for a number of years. Populations of the Indian stick insect Carausius morosus, a popular species among stick insect fanciers, were found in San Luis Obispo and San Diego counties in California, where they were discovered because of damage the insects were causing to ornamental plants. Finally, two Asian water boatmen (Hemiptera: Corixidae) are known to be established in Florida, probably brought into the state with aquarium plants.
Who needs a permit?
Anyone who imports exotic organisms (for example, insects, spiders, scorpions, noxious weeds, plant pathogens, and nematodes) into Florida from any other state or country, or who moves such exotic organisms within the state for any purpose. This especially applies to anyone engaged in wholesale import or sale, or otherwise serving as a broker to any business in the retail pet or bait trade. If you are moving houseplants into Florida, visit our Summary of Florida Plant Import Regulations page.
Do I need to send in voucher specimens for identification?
Yes. You will need to send in a voucher specimen for each species that you are asking to be permitted. Voucher specimens are required so that we may confirm the identity of the species you wish to import. We keep these vouchers as a record that your permit is for the correct species. This is to your advantage in case any questions should arise in the future. Voucher specimens are not returned.
How many vouchers should I submit?
For arthropods, at least one adult male and one adult female (preferably two pair) should be submitted. In cases where the sex is not obvious (e.g., scorpions, millipedes), at least two adults should be submitted. Adults may be preserved in 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) in a sealed container, safely packed. If your vouchers are butterflies, these specimens need to be sent (dead) in vials of alcohol if caterpillars. Adult specimens should be dead, dried and put in individual envelopes. You should be able to obtain the specimens from your intended suppliers.
Are vouchers needed with an application for a permit to collect noxious weed species?
No, not with the initial permit application. Vouchers of noxious weeds should be sent only on request. In general, applicants should not collect noxious weed species to include as part of the application for a permit because transporting a noxious weed requires specific safeguards to avoid spreading the plant. If a voucher specimen is needed, instructions for safe handling of noxious weeds sent as vouchers will be provided to the applicant.
Are there regulations against selling certain types of arthropods?
Yes. Possession or importation of many species may be either prohibited or strictly controlled. Most insects, some scorpions, and all other exotic arachnids, centipedes, and millipedes are among the arthropods that are restricted or prohibited from moving in commercial trade. They present an unacceptable risk of disrupting or damaging one or more components of Florida's agricultural resources or ecosystems. Exotic terrestrial snails are also strictly prohibited.
Are there guidelines for importing exotic and non-Florida U.S. arthropods?
Do I need a permit only to ship native insects between two locations in Florida?
No. Neither USDA nor FDACS regulates such activities.
What butterflies are allowed to be imported into Florida, and where may they be shipped from?
The following butterflies may be imported from east of the
100th meridian
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270.1 kB
]
, except as noted:
- Agraulis vanillae
- Anartia jatrophae
- Colias philodice
- Danaus plexippus, Atlantic Coast States only
- Heliconius charitonius, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama & Florida only
- Nymphalis antiopa
- Papilio polyxenes
- Vanessa atalanta
- Vanessa cardui
- Vanessa virginensis
Butterfly Maps:
May I ship a U.S. Monarch Butterfly from California to Florida?
No. At the present time, USDA APHIS regulations state that only monarchs from the Atlantic flyway (Atlantic coastal states) may be shipped into Florida.
Where can I find out more information on the requirements of other states in the United States for importation and exportation of butterflies?
Visit the International Butterfly Breeders Association Inc. (IBBA) website. Select "Permit Information Center" and then "Permitting Corner." Next select "Permitting to ship for release by state." Either select the State name or scroll down the page. Each State listed will have the following listed: Contact person's name, address, email and phone number and also that State's requirements.
Is there more than one permit or form that I may need?
There are two types of forms that you may need:
- FDACS-08208[ ] or PPQ-526 for arthropods, nematodes, noxious weeds or plant pathogens.
- PPQ-526 is a federal permit used for interstate shipment of any of the above-mentioned organisms that are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS).
- FDACS-08208[ ] is a state of Florida permit for importation of exotic or native organisms into Florida from other states or countries. It is the primary form for movement of organisms not regulated by USDA APHIS. It also should be used for movement of exotic organisms within Florida by wholesalers and/or breeders.
Where do I list all the species to be imported?
On FDACS-08208[ ] on lines 9, 10 and 11, type the first four species you wish to import. Any additional organisms to be moved are listed starting at line 34. Be sure to provide the biological information and shipping requested.
How do I apply for a permit?
Apply for a permit by contacting Dr. Nicole Casuso or Jason Stanley at DPI-Permits@FDACS.gov or 1-888-397-1517.
