Native Plant Harvesting Permit

Some native Florida plants are protected. There are three categories of protected plants: threatened, endangered and commercially exploited. These plants are listed in Chapter 5B-40, Florida Administrative Code.

Requirements for Harvesting Protected Plants

• Threatened Plants: Harvesting or collecting plants or parts of plants listed as threatened requires landowner permission.
• Endangered Plants: Harvesting or collecting one or more plants or parts of plants listed as endangered requires landowner permission and a permit issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
• Commercially Exploited Plants: Harvesting or collecting three or more plants or parts of plants listed as commercially exploited requires landowner permission and a permit issued by FDACS.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Determine if the plants you want to collect are on the regulated plant list. See Rule 5B-40 and Additional Regulated Species Not Yet Published [ 361.5 kB ] . If plants are endangered or commercially exploited, you will need a permit.
2. Complete a Request for Permit to Harvest Endangered or Commercially Exploited Plant(s) or Plant Parts[ ].
3. Obtain written permission from the property/landowner.
4. Send your request form and written landowner permission to: Certification Specialist, Division of Plant Industry, 1911 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL 32608-1201.

Once your request is received, an inspector may contact you for a site visit. Once the inspector approves your request, the application undergoes an FDACS botanist's review and, if approved, a permit is issued to you. The permit is valid for one year from date of issue.

Collecting Native Plants for Propagation and Sale

All plants are considered nursery stock and you must register as a nursery with FDACS before selling or distributing plants. For more information, see Nursery and Stock Dealer Registration.