Florida Statutes associated with the Florida Fossil Permit Program:

• Florida Statute 1004.57 Vertebrate paleontological sites and remains; legislative intent and state policy
• Florida Statute 1004.575 Program of vertebrate paleontology within Florida Museum of Natural History
• Florida Statute 1004.576 Destruction, purchase, and sale of vertebrate fossils prohibited, exceptions; field investigation permits required; penalty for violation
• Florida Statute 1004.577 Certain rights of mine or quarry operators and dragline or heavy equipment operators preserved

Florida Rule Associated with Permit Program:

• Rule: 6C1-7.0541 Academic Affairs; Florida Museum of Natural History: Program of Vertebrate Paleontology

State Lands Search:

• Department of Environmental Protection Map Direct
  • Maps of interest may include:
    • State Lands Information Map under the Division of State Lands heading
    • Florida State Parks Map under the Division of Recreation and Parks heading

Additional permits may be required for certain fossil-collecting activities:

• See the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Fossil Collecting webpage

Laws related to the protection of Florida’s Waters:

• Almost every river in Florida is designated by the DEP as “Special Waters” under the Outstanding Florida Waters law with a few exceptions, including the Peace River, which is very well known for fossil hunting.

• Some stretches of these “Special Waters” are protected within the boundaries of State Parks/Preserves, while areas owned by the State require an additional DEP permit for dredging and filling activities.
• Outstanding Florida Waters
  • OFW Factsheet
  • OFW Question and Answer Sheet
  • Florida Rule 62-302.700 Special Protection, Outstanding Florida Waters, Outstanding National Resource Waters (provides detailed lists of protected and exempt water bodies)

Florida Fossil Permits DO NOT allow for the collection of archaeological artifacts:

• You may only collect vertebrate fossils on allowable state lands with the Florida Fossil Permit.
• Collecting artifacts on state lands without an Archaeological Research Permit is illegal
  • Florida Rule 1A-32 Archaeological Research Permit for Work on State Lands in Florida

Collecting in Alachua County:

Updated guidelines for Fossil Collecting in Gainesville Creeks