Florida Fossil Permit
Fossil Permit Application and Information
For just $5 annually, you can apply for the permit required to collect vertebrate fossils on all lands owned or leased by the state, except where existing regulations prohibit collection such as in state parks or other managed areas including the Myakka River and it’s tributaries which are designated “special waters” by the DEP (along with the others listed on the OFW Fact Sheet).
For fossil collection on private land or the collection of invertebrate fossils and shark teeth on state lands a permit is not necessary.
Minors (17 and under) do not need to have their own permit but must be under the supervision of an adult with a valid permit who will report their finds.
Each individual that intends to collect vertebrate fossils on state lands is now required to have their own permit. The rules surrounding multi-use permits have been updated.
While small scoops and screens can be used in collection, the use of any device powered by a motor, mechanical excavating equipment, or large shovels are not permitted without permission from the DEP.
The sale or distribution of sediment collected from a Florida river bed to other persons to recover the fossils within the sediment is prohibited.
The state of Florida has 60 days to claim a specimen after it has been reported. After that time, the fossil legally becomes your property. It is prohibited to sell a specimen before that. The state rarely claims fossils and only does so when it is scientifically valuable.
Purchased fossils do not need to be reported, but the legality of their collection should be inquired about at the time of purchase.
The permit does not allow the collection of artifacts defined as any human-fashioned objects older than 50 years.
The collection of human skeletal material is strictly prohibited.
To apply for your first Florida Fossil Permit, mail your completed application with a check or money order to the Program of Vertebrate Paleontology 1659 Museum Road, Dickinson Hall Gainesville, FL 32611-7800, USA and within a few weeks you will recieve an email with a digital PDF version of your permit. Don’t forget to have a copy, either digital or printed, with you when hunting!
Annual Report
For permit renewal send a signed and completed annual report form along with a $5 check or money order by mail to the Program of Vertebrate Paleontology 1659 Museum Road, Dickinson Hall Gainesville, FL 32611-7800, USA. The report must be turned in whether or not you collected during the year.
Fossil Identification
In addition to providing fossil permits, the Program of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Florida Museum is an invaluable resource to amateur fossil hunters. For assistance with identification, you can either email photos in JPEG format, bring the specimen in-person by appointment, or send the specimen by mail with pre-paid return postage.
Email: vertpaleo@floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Dickinson Hall Phone Number: 352-273-1821
Collections Building Phone Number: 352-294-6363
Location: Dickinson Hall is on the University of Florida campus at the intersection of Museum Road and Newell Drive. The Collections Building is located off-campus in the northwest area of Gainesville.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Florida Museum also offers volunteer opportunities for fossil enthusiasts.
Several years ago, my aunt and I were lucky enough to participate in a dig at their Thomas Farm site. It was a very interesting and educational day and I highly suggest applying to volunteer in the field if your schedule allows. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, email your completed application to Rachel E. Narducci at vertpaleo@floridamuseum.ufl.edu. As of Spring 2024, their current large-scale excavation is at the Montbrook Site.
When volunteering in the field with the Florida Museum all directions provided by museum personnel must be followed and all fossils collected become the property of the Florida Museum of Natural History.
