Division of Aquaculture

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is Florida's lead aquaculture agency. We coordinate and assist in the development of aquaculture and regulate aquafarms to protect and conserve Florida's natural resources.

There are an estimated 1,500 species or varieties of fish, plants, mollusks, crustaceans and reptiles grown in the state. 

The Division of Aquaculture is responsible for implementing Chapter 597, Florida Aquaculture Policy Act, Florida Statutes, by:

• Developing and enforcing regulations governing commercial aquaculture.
• Leasing of coastal state submerged land for aquacultural purposes.
• Providing contacts for financial, educational and technical assistance to Florida aquafarmers.
• Certifying and inspecting shellfish processing plants.
• Classifying and monitoring shellfish harvesting areas.
• Supporting the Aquaculture Review Council.

Popular Links

• 2020 Florida Aquaculture Industry Overview [ 519.2 kB ]
• Application for a State-Owned Sovereignty Submerged Land Aquaculture Lease[ ]
• Aquaculture Leaseholder and Authorized User Acknowledgement 2021-2022[ ]
• Aquaculture Newsletter No. 109, November 2021 [ 1.2 MB ]
• Best Management Practices Manual [ 714.5 kB ]
• Florida Aquaculture Plan (2021) [ 527.1 kB ]
• Import/Export Requirements for Aquatic Animals and Plants [ 668.5 kB ]
• Refrigeration Requirements for Shellfish at a Certified Dealer [ 176.3 kB ]
• Shellfish Aquaculture Lease Management Technical Bulletin #5 [ 5.2 MB ]
• Shellfish Harvester Education Training
• Shellfish Harvesting Area and Aquaculture Lease Map

Shellfish Harvesting Area and Aquaculture Lease Map

Our interactive map displays location information on shellfish harvesting areas, aquaculture leases, shellfish processing facilities and water quality sampling stations. For descriptions of the map features, select the points or polygons. See the links for additional information and downloadable maps.

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