Commissioner Adam H. Putnam

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Entomology, Nematology and Plant Pathology

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The Bureau of Entomology, Nematology, and Plant Pathology is composed of four sections (Entomology, Nematology, Botany and Plant Pathology) with two programs (Citrus Germplasm Introduction Program and Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program) and three laboratories (Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory, Fruit Fly Identification Laboratory and Nematology Diagnostic Laboratory).

The Entomology Section provides identification of arthropod samples; conducts limited investigations of certain economic problems; builds and maintains a general arthropod reference and research museum known as the Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA); conducts taxonomic investigations; supervises the security of Biological Control Laboratories; administers the permitting for movement of commercial and biological control arthropods and arthropod pathogens; and develops taxonomic and biological control literature to support these areas of responsibility.

The Nematology Section surveys agricultural and horticultural crops to identify new and/or exotic nematodes within the State or those that may be introduced from other states or countries, and to determine host status and distribution of potential pests and quarantine nematodes. Nematologists investigate methods of control, eradication, and dissemination of nematode pests; identify new genera or species of nematodes and new host-parasite relations; and develop sanitation and control measures.

The Plant Pathology Section diagnoses plant diseases; indexes seeds, budwood, and crops for endemic and exotic plant pathogens; investigates the control, management, and/or containment of plant diseases of regulatory importance; and surveys and responds to new plant diseases threats. Plant Pathology personnel screen permit applications for the importation into or movement within Florida of plant pathogens or plant materials suspected of harboring plant pathogens.

The Botany Section provides assistance in plant identifications and related services. This section is also involved in projects related to threatened and endangered plant species. Botanists provide technical expertise to a number of related governmental agencies on noxious weed issues.

Overall, permit applications are reviewed by appropriate taxonomic specialists (entomologists, nematologists, plant pathologists, and botanists) to ensure that specimen identifications are scientifically correct and valid. They also render opinions on whether the applied for permits to move or import organisms can be done with suitable safeguarding of Florida's native and commercial agricultural resources. These opinions are provided to the Division's Assistant Director for final approval of permit applications.

Florida Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is a permit required?
    By law, any organism which may pose a risk to Florida agriculture, become a nuisance, threaten native Florida wildlife, or pose a serious medical hazard to humans or livestock requires a permit to import into the state. The possibility of exotic pet arthropods becoming established is far from theoretical. The tarantula Brachypelma vagans has established a breeding population in central Florida which has persisted for a number of years. Just this year, populations of the Indian stick insect Carausius morosus, a popular species among stick insect fanciers, were found in San Luis Obispo and San Diego counties in California, where they were discovered because of damage the insects were causing to ornamental plants. Finally, two Asian water boatmen (Hemiptera: Corixidae) are known to be established in Florida, probably brought into the state with aquarium plants.

  2. Who needs a permit?
    Anyone who imports exotic organisms (for example, insects, spiders, scorpions, noxious weeds, plant pathogens, and nematodes) into Florida from any other state or country, or who moves such exotic organisms within the state for any purpose. This especially applies to anyone engaged in wholesale import or sale, or otherwise serving as a broker to any business in the retail pet or bait trade.

  3. Are there guidelines for Importing Exotic and Non-Florida U.S. Arthropods?
    Yes. There are guidelines. Please see links below for importing Exotic and Non-Florida U.S. Arthropods and for butterfly maps:
    Guidelines
    100th Meridian Map
    Continental Divide Map

  4. For what period of time is the permit valid?
    The permit is valid up to four years (formerly 2 years).

  5. Is there a fee for the permit?
    Yes, the curation fee is $12.50 per species up to 5 or more species; $62.50 maximum per permit.

  6. Do I need to send in voucher specimens for identification?
    Yes. You will need to send in a voucher specimen for each species that you are asking to be permitted. Voucher specimens are required so that we may confirm the identity of the species you wish to import. We keep these vouchers as a record that your permit is for the correct species. This is to your advantage in case any questions should arise in the future. Voucher specimens are not returned.

  7. How many vouchers should I submit?
    For arthropods at least one adult male and one adult female (preferably two pair) should be submitted. In cases where the sex is not obvious (e.g., scorpions, millipedes), at least two adults should be submitted. Please submit them alive unless you are quite certain they are adult (immatures need to be reared to adult stage to make an accurate identification). Adults may be preserved in 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) in a sealed container, safely packed. If your vouchers are butterflies, these specimens need to be sent (dead) in vials of alcohol if caterpillars. Adult specimens should be dead, dried and put in individual envelopes. You should be able to obtain the specimens from your intended suppliers.

  8. Are there regulations against selling certain types of arthropods?
    Yes. Possession or importation of many species may be either prohibited or strictly controlled. Most insects, some scorpions, and all other exotic arachnids, centipedes, and millipedes are among the arthropods which are restricted or prohibited from moving in commercial trade. They present an unacceptable risk of disrupting or damaging one or more components of Florida's agricultural resources or ecosystems. Exotic terrestrial snails are also strictly prohibited.

  9. Where does one list all the species to be imported?
    For the form labeled, "DACS-08208" on lines 9, 10 and 11 type the first four species you wish to import, making sure to provide the biological information and shipping requested.

  10. Is there more then one permit or form that I may need?
    There are three types of forms that you may need:
    • DACS-08208 or PPQ-526 for arthropods, nematodes, noxious weeds or plant pathogens.
    • PPQ-526 is a federal permit used for interstate shipment of any of the above-mentioned organisms that are regulated by USDA/APHIS.
    • DACS-08208 is a State of Florida permit for importation of exotic or native organisms into Florida from other states or countries. It is the primary form for movement of organisms not regulated by USDA/APHIS. It also should be used for movement of exotic organisms within Florida by wholesalers and/or breeders.

  11. Do I need a permit only to ship native insects between two locations in Florida?
    No. Neither USDA nor State of Florida Department of Agriculture regulates such activities.

  12. What butterflies are allowed to be imported into Florida, and where may they be shipped from?
    The following butterflies may be imported from east of the 100th meridian, except as noted:
    • Agraulis vanillae
    • Anartia jatrophae
    • Colias philodice
    • Danaus plexippus, Atlantic Coast States only
    • Heliconius charitonius, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama & Florida only
    • Nymphalis antiopa
    • Papilio polyxenes
    • Vanessa atalanta
    • Vanessa cardui
    • Vanessa virginensis

  13. May I ship a US Monarch Butterfly from California to Florida?
    NO. At the present time, USDA/ APHIS regulations state that only monarchs from the Atlantic flyway (Atlantic Coastal States) may be shipped into Florida.

  14. Where can I find out more information on the requirements of other States in the United States for importation and exportation of butterflies.
    Please see International Butterfly Breeders Association Inc. (IBBA), web site. http://butterflybreeders.com/. The left hand side of the page lists different menu options. Select "Permit Information Center" and then "Permitting Corner." Next select "Permitting to ship for release by State." Either click on the State name or scroll down the page. Each State listed will have the following listed: Contact person's name, address, email and phone number and also that State's requirements.

  15. How does one apply for a permit?
    A permit is applied for by contacting Dr. Gregory Hodges.

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Forms

Please follow the instructions provided below when printing and completing the forms listed.

  1. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print forms. Skip this step if Adobe Reader is already installed on your pc.
  2. You can type electronically on DACS-08208 then print and sign form. Print forms on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
  3. Original signed DACS-08208 must be submitted for processing. Mail DACS-08208 to: FDACS-Plant Industry, Post Office Box 147100, Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100.
  4. Type or print the entire PPQ-526 form in blue or black ink.
  5. If fees are required, make check(s) payable to: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES.
  6. Mail payment(s) to: FDACS-Plant Industry, Post Office Box 147100, Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100.

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Related Links

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Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:
Dr. Gregory Hodges
E-mail Greg.Hodges@freshfromflorida.com
1911 SW 34 Street
Gainesville, Florida 32608
Phone: (352) 372-3505, Ext. 140
Fax: (352) 334-0737

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