Aquatic Plant Permit FAQ

No, there are two broad types of aquatic plants subject to regulation in Florida. Aquatic species that have been demonstrated to disrupt waterways or negatively impact Florida ecosystems are defined as “prohibited" aquatic species. These plant species are restricted and require a permit to harvest and, in some limited cases, to propagate for export outside the state. Native aquatic plants are usually defined as “non-prohibited” aquatics and are protected from over-harvesting by means of a different permit for harvesting.

Registered nurseries, stock dealers, government agencies, research institutions, and wastewater facilities approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection may apply to collect aquatic plants.

For prohibited aquatic plants, government agencies, research institutions, and wastewater facilities may apply for permission to collect using the Application and Permit to Move Organisms Regulated by the State of Florida[ ]. The guidelines are the same as for requesting a permit to collect or transport noxious weed species. See the Noxious Weed Information page for information about completing the form. To collect non-prohibited aquatic species, complete and submit the Application for Permit to Collect Non-Prohibited Aquatic Plants[ ].

Anyone importing, transporting, non-nursery cultivating, collecting or possessing aquatic plants for business purposes must be a registered nursery and submit an Application for Permit to Collect Non-Prohibited Aquatic Plants[ ] to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Use our Plant Inspector Directory to find your local plant inspector.

See the list of Class I Prohibited Aquatic Plants in Section 5B-64.011, Florida Administrative Code. 

Although there are three Class II prohibited aquatic plant species, currently only water lettuce can be sold for export out of the state because federal law prohibits the interstate movement for the other two species, Hygro and Ambulia. The required permit application, Application/Permit to Possess and Cultivate Class II Prohibited Aquatic Plants[ ], must be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry.

Yes, any plant species listed as a federal noxious weed is regulated in the same manner as state noxious weeds. 

Yes, plants exported to California must be certified to be free of Hydrilla.

Yes, with special permission and formal agreements with the Division of Plant Industry, the following plants may be cultivated for export.

• Water Spinach
• Water Hyacinth

• Prohibited Aquatic Plants, 5B-64
• FDACS Noxious Weed and Invasive Species List, 5B-57
• Federal Noxious Weed List
• Division of Plant Industry
• Division of Marketing, Bureau of License and Bond
• Florida Native Plant Society
• USDA-APHIS
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Nursery and Stock Dealer Registration Information
• National Invasive Species Information Center