581.083  Introduction or release of plant pests, noxious weeds, or organisms affecting plant life.--

(1)  The introduction into or release within this state of any plant pest, noxious weed, genetically engineered plant or plant pest, or any other organism which may directly or indirectly affect the plant life of this state as an injurious pest, parasite, or predator of other organisms, or any arthropod, is prohibited, except under special permit issued by the department through the division, which shall be the sole issuing agency for such special permits.

(2)  Each application for a special permit shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount determined by the department, through its rulemaking authority, not to exceed $50. The department may waive this fee by rule for governmental agencies.

(3)  Except for research projects approved by the department, no permit for any organism shall be issued unless the department has determined that the parasite, predator, or biological control agent is specific to a target organism or plant and not likely to become a pest of plants or other beneficial organisms. The department may rely on findings of the Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Department of Agriculture, and other agencies in making any determination about organisms used for biological control.

History.--s. 7, ch. 12291, 1927; CGL 3836; s. 8, ch. 59-261; s. 3, ch. 61-409; s. 2, ch. 70-49; s. 1, ch. 73-82; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 3, ch. 79-158; s. 1, ch. 82-34; s. 3, ch. 88-31; s. 3, ch. 90-155; s. 46, ch. 93-169; s. 463, ch. 94-356; s. 7, ch. 95-317.