Water Lettuce, Hygro, Ambulia
Permit requirements for cultivation.
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), Hygro (Hygrophila polysperma), and Ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora) are listed as Florida Department of Environmental Protection Class II prohibited aquatic plants.
In addition, both Hygro and Ambulia are listed as a Federal noxious weed.
As provided for in DEP Rule 62C-52, Florida Administrative Code, aquatic plant nurseries may be cultured in a nursery regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the purpose of shipping outside of Florida only. However, since Hygro and Ambulia are listed as Federal noxious weeds, you must also obtain a Federal permit for interstate movement before obtaining a State permit for those two species.
Steps in obtaining a State permit:
- You must be registered as a nursery with the Division of Plant Industry.
- You must apply for a collection permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Bureau of Invasive Plant Management.
- Submit DACS-08235 Application/Permit to Possess and Cultivate Class II Prohibited Aquatic Plants to the Division of Plant Industry.
Note: Please visit the USDA Federal Noxious Weeds and Parasitic Plants permit web site for information on the Federal permitting process.
