Frequently Asked Questions on Aquaculture Farming

Aquaculture Certification

Q.  Who needs an Aquaculture Certificate and how long will it take to get one?

A.  All aquaculturists in the state are required to obtain the certification. Once the Division receives the completed application and fee, the certification should be returned within two weeks (unless a site visit is warranted for a new facility).

Q.  Do all aquafarms have to comply with the Best Management Practices (BMPs)? Will we be inspected?

A.  Yes, by signing and submitting the Aquaculture Certification application, the farmer agrees to follow the approved Best Management Practices. An annual site inspection will be conducted by DACS staff to determine compliance with the BMPs.

Q.  How will I know when the site inspections will occur?

A.  DACS - Division of Aquaculture Environmental Specialists will schedule site visits in advance of traveling to that area of the state.

Q.  What are the consequences for a certified farmer not following BMPs?

A.  Department staff will assist the farmer in determining how to modify the facility/operation so that it meets the BMP guidelines. The farmer will then be given a reasonable amount of time to make the necessary modifications. If the facility is unable to comply with Best Management Practices, the Aquaculture Certification will be revoked and the facility will then be referred to the Department of Environmental Protection or appropriate Water Management District for regulatory permitting.

Q.  What must I do to possess restricted non-native species?

A.  Restricted non-native species include all species listed as restricted species in Rule 68A-23.008 (2) F.A.C. Possession by certified aquaculturists requires written authorization from FDACS and an on site inspection to verify that the facility meets the minimum requirements of the Restricted non-native species BMPs.

Q.  How do I apply for an aquaculture lease?

A.  You may apply for an aquaculture lease by completing a lease application form. Please give us your name and address and we will mail a lease application package (AquaPak) to you.

Q.  How long does it take to get a lease?

A.  Most applications take approximately six months to process. However, if substantial environmental or local issues arise during the lease application review process, the application can take a year or longer to complete. For this reason, we recommend that you contact the staff before you submit the lease application, in order to discuss the site location as well as other important matters pertaining to your lease application.

Q.  How much does it cost to apply for a lease?

A.  A lease application processing fee in the amount of $200 is required to be submitted along with the completed lease application. Upon approval of the lease application, an annual rental fee will be required. The current rates charged annually for aquaculture leases are $15.95 per acre (adjusted based on the five-year change in the Consumer Price Index), and a surcharge in the amount of $5 per acre.

Q.  What permits or licenses are required in order to manage and operate an aquaculture lease site?

A.  You are required to apply for an Aquaculture Certificate with the Division of Aquaculture upon receipt of a signed lease agreement. The staff will send a certificate application along with the signed lease agreement. This is the only form of authorization that you need to possess seedstock; to plant it on your lease; and to harvest the market size product on the lease site.

Q.  Are there any minimum clam planting requirements that I will be required to satisfy after I get a lease?

A.  Before your lease application is approved by the State, the lease applicant must agree to plant a minimum of 100,000 seed clams per acre, per year. Each year the State will audit each lease, and in that process you will be required to send copies of all of your seedstock receipts for the previous year. This enables the staff to verify whether or not each lessee satisfied minimum effective cultivation requirements.

Q.  Where can I purchase Florida farm-raised aquaculture products?

A.  Contact the Department’s Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing to find sources of Florida farm-raised aquaculture products.