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.
In Fiscal Year 2021-22, the division
Fund | Salary Rate/ Position | General Revenue | Trust Funds | |
---|---|---|---|---|
SALARY RATE | ||||
POSITIONS | ||||
SALARIES AND BENEFITS | ||||
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND | ||||
OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES | ||||
FROM FEDERAL GRANTS TRUST FUND | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
EXPENSES | ||||
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ||||
FROM FEDERAL GRANTS TRUST FUND | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND | ||||
OPERATING CAPITAL OUTLAY | ||||
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
SPECIAL CATEGORIES | ||||
ACQUISITION OF MOTOR VEHICLES | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND | ||||
SPECIAL CATEGORIES | ||||
ACQUISITION AND REPLACEMENT OF BOATS, MOTORS, AND TRAILERS | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND | ||||
SPECIAL CATEGORIES | ||||
CONTRACTED SERVICES | ||||
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ||||
SPECIAL CATEGORIES | ||||
OYSTER PLANTING | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
SPECIAL CATEGORIES | ||||
RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE | ||||
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
SPECIAL CATEGORIES | ||||
AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT | ||||
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ||||
SPECIAL CATEGORIES | ||||
TRANSFER TO DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES - HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES PURCHASED PER STATEWIDE CONTRACT | ||||
FROM GENERAL REVENUE FUND | ||||
FROM GENERAL INSPECTION TRUST FUND | ||||
FROM AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY ERADICATION TRUST FUND | ||||
TOTAL |
5,712,856 |
2,690,571 |
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.
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
Division of Aquaculture, 850-617-7600
Website