Commissioner Adam H. Putnam

Methods Development & Biological Control

Biomass Permits | Florida Laws | FAQ | Forms | Related Links | Contact

The Bureau of Methods Development and Biological Control develops, investigates and implements new ideas, techniques and methods for the detection, control and eradication of plant and honey bee pests. Bureau personnel are involved in chemical control methods, biological control activities, sterile insect technique (SIT), quality control, environmental concerns, irradiation, plus many other miscellaneous activities meeting the Division's needs.

Biomass Permits

The Bureau of Methods Development and Biological Control within the Division of Plant Industry is responsible for the permit review and approval process. The purpose of the permitting process (Biomass Planting Permit, DACS-08382, revised 07/06) is to control the introduction into, or movement within, Florida of plant species intended for biomass plantings. Such procedures will assist in confirming that plant species introductions and plantings are conducted in a manner which provides for public and environmental protection. No biomass permit shall be issued for any planting of plants on the state noxious weed list or the federal noxious weed list.

Biomass Plantings are governed by FL Rule 5B-57.011

Applications for Biomass Plantings
Applications for Biomass plantings must be submitted with a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 USD. Separate applications and fees are required for each noncontiguous planting. If the application is approved, proof of a bond or certificate of deposit issued by a surety company and approved by the Division of Plant Industry must be submitted before the permit is approved and the compliance agreement is issued.

The application process is straightforward, and the steps in the application and approval process are detailed below:

Florida Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When is a permit necessary?
    According to Florida Rule 5B-57.011, F.A. C. a permit for biomass plantings (DACS-08381) is required for two contiguous acres within one parcel of land for any plant used for biomass production and not excluded for purposes of agriculture under Section 570.02(1), F. S. or excluded in Rule 5B-57.011, F.A.C.

  2. What is a contiguous planting?
    Two or more plantings of non-native plants with a common boundary. Or, a parcel of land that has been separated or divided into more than one planting of non-native plants whether separated or divided by a roadway or any other area not under cultivation with non-native plants. (see Florida Rule 5B-57.001 Definitions for further clarification).

  3. Do I need a permit if I am planting species commonly used in biomass production, but I am only selling the plant propagules for subsequent production by others?
    You do not need a permit if you are selling the plant propagules. The Division of Plant Industry considers such function a nursery operation that must comply with rules governed by the Bureau of Plant Inspection in Rule Chapter 5B-2, F.A.C.

  4. What items must my permit application demonstrate?
    • Must show a viable system to prevent plants, and plant parts, from spread into ditches, natural waterways, and any onsite drainage.
    • Must demonstrate adequate measures to mitigate the spread of the permitted plant species from dispersal via seed.
    • Must show adequate fallow area bordering planting to prevent plant spread.
    • Must show containment procedure for cleaning equipment used on site.
    • Must show adequate measures for wildfire mitigation.

  5. How long does the permitting process take to complete?
    Please allow 60-90 days for the application process. After an initial permit review, a site visit must be made by personnel from the Division of Plant Industry. Coordination of the site visit may take several weeks. After the site visit, further review will commence, and if the initial permit is approved, proof of bond must be provided. The bond application and issuance of the bond may take a week or more, depending on financial institution.

  6. What is the Compliance Agreement (DACS-08383)?
    The Compliance Agreement is issued after permit review, completed site visit, and issue of Certified Bond. The compliance agreement details the site practices that must be implemented and scope of limitations existing with the issuance of the permit. The compliance agreement is a legally binding document signed between the applicant and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

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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. Print forms on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
  3. Type or print the entire form in blue or black ink.
  4. If fees are required, make check(s) payable to: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES.
  5. 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. Trevor Smith
E-mail Trevor.Smith@freshfromflorida.com
1911 SW 34 Street, Room M-114
Gainesville, Florida 32608
Phone: (352) 372-3505, Ext. 445

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