Florida Statutes on Sea Oats

Sea Oats Defined

• Uniola paniculata, also known as sea oats, is a tall, grassy plant that lives on beaches along the Virginia-Florida coastline, the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies. When the buds of the sea oat open, the wind carries the seeds along the coastline, sowing new plants. Sea oats help stabilize sand dunes and prevent beach erosion. For this reason, sea oats are a protected class of vegetation in Florida.
  
  

Florida Bans Sea Oats Harvesting

• With some exceptions, it is unlawful in Florida to harvest sea oats. The Florida Statutes prohibit cutting, harvesting, removing or eradicating sea oats from any private or public land without authorization. If you are not the owner of land containing sea oats and you have sea oats, Florida considers that possession prima facie evidence that you are in violation of the law.
  
  

Licensed Nurserymen

• Florida exempts licensed nurserymen from the law against harvesting sea oats. Licensed nurserymen are permitted by law to grow, harvest and sell sea oats. This exemption is to encourage the commercial sale of sea oats. As sales of sea oats continue, so, too, will their appearance along coastlines and their protection of beaches.
  
  

Unlawful Harvesting

• No one other than property owners, those with permission from property owners and licensed nurserymen can lawfully cut, harvest or destroy sea oats in Florida. If someone is caught illegally cutting, harvesting or destroying sea oats in Florida, he could be convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor. The Florida Statutes impose a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both, for misdemeanor convictions.