5B-40.008. Investigating Suspected Violations, Preservation of Endangered, Commercially Exploited and/or Threatened Plants Involved, and Reporting Suspected Violations  


Effective on Wednesday, January 8, 2020
  • 1Upon any suspected violation of this chapter, any authorized representative of the department shall be empowered to:

    18(1) Request identification of the person involved and vehicles utilized in the transportation of the endangered, commercially exploited, and/or threatened plants as well as information on the origin and destination of such plants.

    51(2) Take an inventory of the endangered, commercially exploited, and/or threatened plants involved.

    64(3) Take temporary possession of the endangered, commercially exploited, and/or threatened plants awaiting appropriate documentation. If the appropriate documentation is not presented within 30 days from the date of confiscation, the plants shall become the property of the department and shall be donated to a not-for-profit organization as outlined in subsection 1155B-40.008(6), 116F.A.C. Perishable commodities (fruit or berries) will not be maintained during this period.

    129(4) Endangered, commercially exploited, and/or threatened plants being harvested or moved in suspected violation of this chapter shall be maintained in a viable condition by the person having possession until action is taken to allow movement or the plants in question are confiscated.

    172(5) Violation report. A Report of Violation, FDACS-08128, Revised 10/14, incorporated herein by reference, shall be filed 189by an authorized representative of 194the department 196following confirmation of action subject to violation of rule Chapter 5B-40, F.A.C. 208A sample may be obtained by writing the Division of Plant Industry, Bureau of Plant and Apiary Inspection, P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville, FL 32614-7100 232or online at 235http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05662237.

    238(6) Endangered, commercially exploited, and/or threatened plants which legally become the property of the department shall be donated to a not-for-profit organization such as a botanical garden or state park for preservation purposes. Such donations shall be documented by the department.

    279(7) Any permit which has been issued shall be withdrawn by an authorized representative 293of the department 296if it is determined that the holder thereof has not complied with any condition for the use of the document. The reasons for the withdrawal shall be confirmed in writing 326and shall provide notice of the right to an administrative hearing in accordance with Sections 341120.569 342and 343120.57, F.S345.

    346Rulemaking Authority 348570.07(23), 349581.185(4) FS. 351Law Implemented 353570.07(13), 354581.185(9) FS. 356History–New 3-6-80, Formerly 5B-40.08, Amended 1-31-88, 9-20-93, 9-20-00, 8-20-15, 1-8-20.