Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    James R. Karels, Director


 
Forest Health> Invasive Non-native Plants

Laws Pertaining to Invasive Plants

Some invasive plants are regulated by state, federal, or local law.  The primary invasive plant laws affecting forestry in Florida are identified below.

Federal Regulations

Federal Noxious Weed List

The United States Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers the Federal Noxious Weed Act (USDA, 7CR-360).  Plants listed under this rule are prohibited from importation and interstate transport without a permit.  Visit the USDA Plant Health website.

State Regulations

Florida Noxious Weeds List

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers FDACS, F.A.C. Chapter 5B-57 which prohibits listed plants from cultivation, introduction, collection, and transport without a permit.  This is the primary invasive plant law of concern to forest managers in Florida.  In particular, the listings of Japanese climbing fern, and cogon grass have impact on movement and sale of some forest products. Visit DACS's Plant Industry web page for Noxious Weeds.

Florida Prohibited Aquatic Plants List

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers FDEP, F.A.C. Chapter 62C-52. Plants listed under this rule are prohibited from possession, cultivation, introduction, collection, and transport without a special permit.  Visit DEP's Aquatic Plant Permit Rules.

Local Ordinances

Many Florida counties and municipalities have local ordinances addressing specific non-native invasive plant species. Check with your local zoning department or planning office fr more information.

Regional Plant Lists:
Invasive Plants of the Thirteen Southern States: This is a table of plants listed as invasive in any of the 13 Southern States (as of December 2002). Visit the Invasive Plants of the Thirteen Southern States web page.

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