Florida Native Plant Protection Law Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

Florida Native Plant Protection Law Key Terms & Definitions

Commercially Exploited Plant: A plant species designated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as commercially exploited due to its vulnerability to excessive harvesting for commercial purposes. (Fla. Stat. § 581.185(2)(c))

Endangered Plant: A plant species native to Florida that is in imminent danger of extinction within the state due to habitat loss, over-harvesting, or other factors. (Fla. Stat. § 581.185(2)(a))

Exemptions and Waivers: Provisions within the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute that allow certain activities involving protected plant species to be conducted without a permit, such as scientific research, educational purposes, or conservation efforts. (Fla. Stat. § 581.187)

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS): The state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute, including issuing permits, conducting inspections, and imposing penalties for violations.

Florida Regulated Plant Index: A list maintained by FDACS that includes all plant species designated as endangered, threatened, or commercially exploited under the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Recordkeeping: Obligations under the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute that require regulated entities to monitor their activities, maintain detailed records, and submit periodic reports to demonstrate compliance with the law. (Fla. Stat. § 581.185(9))

Native Plant: A plant species that is naturally occurring within the state of Florida and has adapted to the local environmental conditions over an extended period.

Native Plant Conservation Program: A program administered by FDACS that focuses on the protection, conservation, and management of Florida's native plant species through research, education, and regulatory efforts.

Notice of Violation: A formal document issued by FDACS to a regulated entity that has violated the provisions of the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute, outlining the specific nature of the violation and the required corrective actions.

Penalties: Consequences imposed by FDACS for violations of the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute, which may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. (Fla. Stat. § 581.211)

Permit: A document issued by FDACS that authorizes a regulated entity to engage in activities involving protected plant species, such as collection, transport, or sale, subject to specific conditions and limitations. (Fla. Stat. § 581.185(4))

Plant Habitat: The natural environment in which a plant species grows and thrives, characterized by specific soil conditions, water availability, climate, and other ecological factors.

Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute: A state-level regulation administered by FDACS that aims to protect and conserve native Florida plant species, particularly those that are endangered, threatened, or commercially exploited. (Fla. Stat. §§ 581.185-581.187)

Protected Species: Plant species that are listed as endangered, threatened, or commercially exploited under the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute and are subject to specific regulations and permitting requirements. (Fla. Stat. § 581.185(3))

Regulated Activities: Activities involving native Florida plant species that are subject to the provisions of the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute, such as collecting, transporting, cultivating, and selling protected species. (Fla. Stat. § 581.185(3))

Regulated Entities: Industries and entities that engage in activities involving native Florida plant species and are subject to the provisions of the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Statute, such as nurseries, landscaping companies, botanical gardens, and individuals involved in the collection or sale of native plants.

Threatened Plant: A plant species native to Florida that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future due to habitat loss, over-harvesting, or other factors. (Fla. Stat. § 581.185(2)(b))