Mushroom foraging laws in Florida
Compiled from official sources; not legal advice. Rules change. Confirm with the land manager or the agency before you pick.
Summary
Florida state park rules say plant life is state property and may not be removed from a park, and collecting natural objects needs a permit. The rule text does not mention mushrooms or fungi, so it is unclear; ask the park. State forest rules also bar removing plants and other materials without a permit and do not name mushrooms.
Public land
State parks: rule 62D-2.013 says all plant life is the property of the State and no person shall transplant or remove any plant life from any park, except as the rule provides. State forests: rule 5I-4.005 bars removing plants or other materials from managed lands, and bars picking fruit of any plant or tree, unless authorized by a State Forest Use Permit. Neither rule mentions fungi or mushrooms or defines 'plant', so it is unclear whether mushroom picking is covered; ask park or forest staff. Federal land follows its own rules.
Permits
State parks: a permit is required to collect natural objects, including plant and animal life and minerals, and is issued for scientific or educational purposes. State forests: a State Forest Use Permit is needed for the listed activities.
Sources
- Florida Admin. Code 62D-2.013 Park Property and Resources
- Florida Admin. Code 5I-4.005 Protection of Managed Lands (Florida Forest Service)
Last verified: November 11, 2026