The Bureau of Invasive Plant Management administers funding programs for this control and issues permits for private and commercial aquatic weed control. Also, there are laws restricting the importation and cultivation of foreign aquatic weed pests to prevent the establishment of new weeds. Research on the chemical, biological and mechanical control of aquatic weeds presently is conducted by scientists at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, United States Department of Agriculture, United States Army Corps of Engineers and many of Florida's major universities. Boat trailers are one of the major sources of moving exotic aquatic weeds from one water body to the next. Before you leave a boat ramp, carefully inspect your trailer and boat for aquatic weeds.
Many plant species can grow back from even tiny fragments, thereby infesting new water bodies.
Never transplant aquatic vegetation without first contacting a Department of Environmental Protection aquatic biologist. This permitting procedure was instituted to help insure that an introduced plant will not become a weed problem and a taxpayer burden. Many aquarium plants are imported from around the world and could become a nuisance weed in Florida's waters. Report new infestations of pest species such as water-hyacinth and hydrilla to the Department of Environmental Protection's regional biologist in your area. Consult with one of the Department of Environmental Protection's regional biologists before controlling any aquatic weeds since many water bodies require an Aquatic Plant Control Permit.