FDACS Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Arrests Individuals Illegally Harvesting Saw Palmetto Berries

Tallahassee, Fla. – Last week, investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) arrested four individuals for illegally harvesting saw palmetto berries.  The palmetto plant is listed on FDACS commercially exploited plant index, and the harvesting of saw palmetto berries in Florida requires a permit from FDACS.

OALE investigators conducted surveillance of palmetto berry buyers operating out of Martin County. OALE investigators observed four individuals attempting to sell palmetto berries to these buyers, stopped the individuals to conduct an inspection, and determined that none of the four defendants possessed the required permit to possess and/or transport palmetto berries. OALE investigators seized approximately 1,000 pounds of palmetto berries.

“I am grateful to our Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement for sending a strong message that illegal harvesting of palmetto berries will not be tolerated,” Commissioner Nikki Fried said. “We will continue to enforce the law and do everything we can to protect Florida landowners and our state’s precious natural resources.”

The four suspects were issued Notices to Appear (NTA) and released with the requirement to appear before the Martin County Court after being charged with Violation of Section 581.185 (3)(c), F.S., Preservation of Native Flora of Florida-Harvesting Endangered Plant Without a Permit, First Degree Misdemeanor, 1 count each.

Arrestee Information:

• Arrestee: Juan U. Ambrocio; 09-14-1961; Indiantown, FL
• Arrestee: Elena Pascual-Francisco; 08-12-2001; Lake Worth Beach, FL
• Arrestee: Esteban Poxtan-Visente; 11-28-1970; Okeechobee, FL
• Arrestee: Agustin Lucas Nocolas-Mated; 10-18-1976; Jupiter, FL

To learn more about saw palmetto berry harvesting, including the permit, laws, and frequently asked questions, click here or contact the FDACS Division of Plant Industry Helpline at 1-888-397-1517 or DPIHelpline@FDACS.gov.

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