Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Aquaculture

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For assistance, call 850-617-7600 or visit https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Aquaculture

What is the purpose of the division?

The Division of Aquaculture coordinates and assists in the development of aquaculture. In addition to providing technical assistance, the division has a broad range of regulatory authority over the industry, including certifying aquaculture facilities, ensuring compliance with Best Management Practices, managing aquaculture submerged land leases, inspecting and ensuring the safety of shellfish processing plants, classifying and monitoring shellfish harvesting waters, and facilitating production of the annual Florida Aquaculture Plan.

Aquaculture is the process of farming or growing animals and plants in a controlled aquatic environment. Florida's five primary aquaculture products are tropical fish, aquatic plants, food fish, shellfish, and alligators. Florida is also the number one producer of aquarium fish in the United States.

What services are provided by the division?

The Division of Aquaculture is responsible for implementing Ch. 597, Florida Statutes, the Florida Aquaculture Policy Act, by
  • developing and enforcing regulations governing commercial aquaculture;
  • leasing coastal state submerged land for aquacultural purposes;
  • providing contacts for financial, educational, and technical assistance to Florida aquafarmers;
  • certifying and inspecting shellfish processing plants;
  • classifying and monitoring shellfish harvesting areas, in accordance with the standards set forth in the NSSP; and
  • supporting the Aquaculture Review Council.

What are some of the measures of division activity?

In Fiscal Year 2021-22, the division

  • conducted 1,248 shellfish processing plant inspections and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Records reviews, which was above the performance standard of 758. Additionally, 94.4% of inspected shellfish facilities were in significant compliance with food and safety regulations, which was above the performance standard of 90%;
  • tested and classified 1,337,210 acres of coastal water for shellfish harvesting, which was above the performance standard of 1,332,088;
  • issued 770 submerged land leases, which was above the performance standard of 665; and 
  • issued 1,324 aquaculture certifications and renewals, which was above the performance standard of 959.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2023-24
Fund Salary Rate/ Position General Revenue Trust Funds
SALARY RATE
2,472,216
POSITIONS
46.00
SALARIES AND BENEFITS
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
2,440,075
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
1,035,506
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND
173,762
OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES
FROM FEDERAL GRANTS TRUST FUND
0
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
12,943
EXPENSES
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
400,173
FROM FEDERAL GRANTS TRUST FUND
87,832
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
160,966
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND
33,090
OPERATING CAPITAL OUTLAY
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
20,000
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
12,600
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
ACQUISITION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
192,435
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND
52,462
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
ACQUISITION AND REPLACEMENT OF BOATS, MOTORS, AND TRAILERS
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
649,200
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND
109,800
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
CONTRACTED SERVICES
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
2,330,700
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
OYSTER PLANTING
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
160,000
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
11,456
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
5,708
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
500,000
SPECIAL CATEGORIES
TRANSFER TO DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES - HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES PURCHASED PER STATEWIDE CONTRACT
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND
10,452
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND
3,548
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND
719
TOTAL
5,712,856
2,690,571

Updates

Regulatory Changes. The 2023 Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-154, Laws of Florida, which, among other provisions, specifies that DACS is the lead agency in regulating aquaculture, and is no longer only encouraging the development of aquaculture in the state. Additionally, the law establishes the division as the regulatory and permitting authority for all aquaculture products. 

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
2022 Florida Aquaculture Plan, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with the Aquaculture Review Council

Websites of Interest
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture Disease Information

Performance Information


Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Chapters 570 and 597, and ss. 20.14 and 253.67 through 253.72, Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

Division of Aquaculture, 850-617-7600
Website