Aquatic Plants - Collection and Removal

Regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Contact David Demmi at 863-534-7074 (Bartow).

There are two primary issues associated with aquatic plants.  First, plants are absolutely necessary to the health of a lake or pond.  They remove pollutants (including nutrients from fertilizers) and they provide habitat for fish, birds, alligators, and other wildlife, and for the food that these animals eat.  No plants, no fish.  A white sandy beach is not a healthy beach from the lake's perspective.  Therefore, there are regulations to prevent the excessive removal of aquatic plants.  You may clear 50% of your shoreline, or 50 feet, whichever is less.  The manner in which you clear the shoreline is also important - improper plant removal methods can result in damage to the lake or pond.

The second issue is related to exotic species.  You must obtain a permit from the DEP tp remove plants from one waterbody to transport to another waterbody.  This is because only certain waters have been approved for plant collection - waters that have been certified as free of bad plant species.  Contact the DEP for more information.

Here is a link to DEP's aquatic plant permit rules.