Fla. Stat. 161.242
Harvesting of sea oats and sea grapes prohibited; possession prima facie evidence of violation

(1)

The purpose of this section is to protect the beaches and shores of the state from erosion by preserving natural vegetative cover to bind the sand.

(2)

It is unlawful for any purpose to cut, harvest, remove, or eradicate any of the grass commonly known as sea oats or Uniola paniculata and Coccolobis uvifera commonly known as sea grapes from any public land or from any private land without consent of the owner of such land or person having lawful possession thereof. Possession of either Uniola paniculata or Coccolobis uvifera by other than the owner of such land shall constitute prima facie evidence of violation of this section. However, licensed, certified nurserymen who grow any of the native plants listed in this section from seeds or by vegetative propagation are specifically permitted to sell these commercially grown plants and shall not be in violation of this section of the law if they do so, as it is the intent of the law to preserve and encourage the growth of these native plants which are rapidly disappearing from the state.

Source: Section 161.242 — Harvesting of sea oats and sea grapes prohibited; possession prima facie evidence of violation, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0161.­242 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

161.011
Short title 161.021
Definitions 161.031
Personnel and facilities 161.041
Permits required 161.042
Coastal construction and excavation in barrier beach inlets 161.051
Coastal construction by persons, firms, corporations, or local authorities 161.052
Coastal construction and excavation 161.053
Coastal construction and excavation 161.054
Administrative fines 161.055
Concurrent processing of permits 161.061
Coastal construction serving no public purpose, endangering human life, health, or welfare, or becoming unnecessary or undesirable 161.071
Prosecuting officers to assist enforcement of this part 161.081
Powers of Department of Legal Affairs 161.082
Review of innovative technologies for beach nourishment 161.085
Rigid coastal armoring structures 161.088
Declaration of public policy respecting beach erosion control and beach restoration and nourishment projects 161.091
Beach management 161.101
State and local participation in authorized projects and studies relating to beach management and erosion control 161.111
Shore erosion emergency 161.121
Penalty 161.131
Construction of ss 161.141
Property rights of state and private upland owners in beach restoration project areas 161.142
Declaration of public policy relating to improved navigation inlets 161.143
Inlet management 161.144
Policy guidance related to sand source management 161.151
Definitions 161.161
Procedure for approval of projects 161.163
Coastal areas used by sea turtles 161.181
Recording of resolution and survey of board of trustees 161.191
Vesting of title to lands 161.201
Preservation of common-law rights 161.211
Cancellation of resolution for nonperformance by board of trustees 161.212
Judicial review relating to permits and licenses 161.242
Harvesting of sea oats and sea grapes prohibited 161.0415
Citation of rule 161.0531
Development agreements 161.0535
Permits

Current through Fall 2025

§ 161.242. Harvesting of sea oats & sea grapes prohibited; possession prima facie evidence of violation's source at flsenate​.gov