This application is for a NEW permit that will entitle the named on the permit to collect, for the period of one (1) year, vertebrate fossils on land owned or leased by the State of Florida.
The permit holder must abide by all state and county laws and the provisions contained in Florida Statutes §1004.575-576. Minor children may collect fossils under the supervision of an adult of permit holder. All finds must be reported to the Florida Museum.
- Florida Fossil Permit FAQs
- Email fossilpermits@floridamuseum.ufl.edu if you need to update information on an active permit.
NEW Fossil Permit Application
This form is only for those individuals who have never had a Florida Fossil Permit. Persons who previously held a permit (no matter how long ago) should request to renew their permit.
Download Permit ApplicationThe following must be enclosed with the filled-out application:
1. Photocopy of adult applicant(s) identification document (driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport). These are shredded after processing.
2. Check or money order for $5.00 per applicant in U.S. currency, payable to the ‘University of Florida’. If you are sending multiple applications, include one check for the total amount, not multiple checks of $5. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN YOUR CHECKS AND MONEY ORDERS!
Mail completed application packet to:
Program of Vertebrate Paleontology
1659 Museum Road, Dickinson Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-7800, USA
The $5 permit fee is written into a 40-year-old Florida Statute and no longer covers the program’s operational costs, so we now depend on support from our community. To remain affordable, permits will continue to cost $5 per year, but should be around $20 based on inflation. If you’re interested in and able to contribute beyond the $5 fee, we would greatly benefit from monetary donations to help with salary for the permit processor and supplies for processing and housing donated fossils.
Vertebrate Paleontology DonationExpect to receive a digital PDF version of your permit at the email address provided within ~3 weeks. The permit will be sent to you from fossilpermits@floridamuseum.ufl.edu (check spam/junk folders). You may print and carry or download and show your permit from a smart device if approached by FWC officers while fossil hunting.
Disclaimer: Applications, forms of identification, checks, and/or money orders not properly submitted or filled out will cause a serious delay in receiving your permit.