Aquatic plant permit

Florida classifies aquatic plants under FAC 5B-64 into Class I (prohibited) and Class II (regulated). Possession, transport, or sale of a Class I plant — including water hyacinth, hydrilla, water lettuce, salvinia — without a permit is a violation. Mechanical removal on a private water body does not require a permit. Transport on public roads (e.g., to a disposal facility) does require an FDACS permit; most contractors hold this license. Application of aquatic herbicide for hire requires an Aquatic Pest Control category license through FDACS.