reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.101 - Blackwater River State Forest; Lease of Board’s Interest in Gas, Oil, and Other Minerals.

589.101 Blackwater River State Forest; lease of board’s interest in gas, oil, and other minerals.—Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 253.51-253.61, the Florida Forest Service is hereby expressly granted the authority to lease its 25-percent interest in oil, gas, and other minerals within the boundaries of the Blackwater River State Forest; provided, however, that grants shall be made only to the lessee or lessees holding the 75-percent interest in said minerals retained by the United States in its conveyance to this state. The concurrence of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund required by s. 589.10 shall not be necessary under the provisions of this section.
History.—s. 1, ch. 59-184; s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 14, 27, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 75, ch. 2000-154; s. 34, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.102 - Blackwater River State Forest; Use of Leased Forest Lands.

589.102 Blackwater River State Forest; use of leased forest lands.—Each person leasing land within the Blackwater River State Forest shall confine all grazing animals upon the area covered by the lease.
History.—s. 1, ch. 65-565.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.11 - Duties of Florida Forest Service as to Clarke-Mcnary Law.

589.11 Duties of Florida Forest Service as to Clarke-McNary Law.—
(1) The Florida Forest Service is designated and authorized as the agent of the state to cooperate with the United States Secretary of Agriculture under the provisions of “ss. 4 and 5, Chapter 348, 43 Statutes 654, Acts of Congress, June 7, 1924, known as the Clarke-McNary Law,” to assist owners of farms in establishing, improving, and renewing woodlots, shelterbelts, windbreaks, and other valuable forest growth; in growing and renewing useful timber crops; and to cooperate with the wood-using industries or other agencies, governmental or otherwise, interested in proper land use, forest management, and conservative forest utilization.
(2) As a means of providing seedling trees for the purposes of this section, the Florida Forest Service is authorized to operate a seedling tree nursery program and to set reasonable prices for the sale to the public of seedling trees. Receipts from the sale of seedling trees shall be deposited into the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service.
History.—s. 7, ch. 17027, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-ee); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, ch. 88-321; s. 35, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.12 - Rules and Regulations.

589.12 Rules and regulations.—The Florida Forest Service may make rules and regulations and do such acts and things as shall be reasonable and necessary to accomplish the purposes of ss. 589.07-589.11.
History.—s. 8, ch. 17027, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-ff); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 36, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.13 - Lien of Florida Forest Service and Other Parties, for Forestry Work, Etc.

589.13 Lien of Florida Forest Service and other parties, for forestry work, etc.—Liens prior in dignity to all others accruing thereafter shall exist in favor of the following persons, boards, firms, or corporations upon the following described real estate, under the circumstances hereinafter mentioned:
(1) The Florida Forest Service, the United States Government, or other governmental authority, upon all lands covered in any cooperative or other agreement entered into between the landowner and the Florida Forest Service (which term shall embrace and include agreements with the Florida Forest Service);
(2) The United States Government or other governmental authority, for the prevention and control of woods fires and other forestry work to the extent of the amounts expended by the Florida Forest Service or other governmental authority for and on behalf of the landowner and not paid by the landowner under the terms of said agreement.
History.—s. 1, ch. 17026, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-t); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 37, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.14 - Enforcement of Lien; Notice.

589.14 Enforcement of lien; notice.—The Florida Forest Service, United States Government, or other governmental authority shall be entitled to subject said real estate in equity for the value of such expenditures made by it in pursuance of any such agreement, and may, at any time after the expenditure thereof and after default in payment thereof by the landowner in accordance with the terms of such agreement, file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the property is located, and have recorded in the record of liens kept by such clerk, a notice of the expenditures made in pursuance of such agreement and of default of the landowner in the payment of same in accordance with the terms thereof (the form of notice being provided in s. 589.15), and from the date of the filing of such notice the rights of purchasers or creditors of such landowner shall be subject and subordinate to the claim set out in the notice.
History.—s. 2, ch. 17026, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-u); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 38, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.15 - Form of Notice.

589.15 Form of notice.—The said notice shall be substantially as follows: It shall be in writing and shall be sworn to by the duly authorized agent of the Florida Forest Service or governmental authority filing same. It shall state the name of the owner of said property, the nature and character of the labor or services performed or to be performed, an itemized statement of the expenditures made in pursuance of said agreement and the value thereof, and shall also contain a description of the property covered by the said agreement and to which said services and expenditures are applicable.
History.—s. 3, ch. 17026, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-v); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 39, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.16 - Time for Filing Notice of Lien.

589.16 Time for filing notice of lien.—The notice of lien may be filed prior to the filing of a complaint brought to enforce said lien; provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the filing of such notice at any time after the contract or agreement has been entered into and default made by the landowner in payment of any amount due under the contract or agreement; and suit in equity to enforce the rights of the Florida Forest Service or governmental authority as provided in this chapter must be brought within 12 months from the filing of said notice of lien.
History.—s. 4, ch. 17026, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-w); s. 2, ch. 29737, 1955; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 40, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.17 - Application of General Laws.

589.17 Application of general laws.—The general laws of this state with reference to the acquisition and enforcement of statutory liens shall be applicable to the lien created by ss. 589.13-589.16 insofar as the same may be consistent with and pertinent hereto.
History.—s. 5, ch. 17026, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-x).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.18 - Florida Forest Service to Make Certain Investigations.

589.18 Florida Forest Service to make certain investigations.—The Florida Forest Service shall conduct investigations and make surveys to determine the areas of land in the state which are available and suitable for reforestation projects and state forests, and may recommend to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, any state agency, or any agency created by state law which is authorized to accept lands in the name of the state, concerning their acquisition. The Florida Forest Service shall be considered as a state agency under this law.
History.—s. 1, ch. 16030, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-a); s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 14, 27, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 41, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.20 - Cooperation by Florida Forest Service.

589.20 Cooperation by Florida Forest Service.—The Florida Forest Service may cooperate with other state agencies, water management districts, municipalities, and other government entities in the designation and dedication of lands that are suitable for forestry purposes. Lands designated and dedicated by a state agency, water management district, municipality, or other government entity for forestry purposes shall be administered by the Florida Forest Service.
History.—s. 3, ch. 16030, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-c); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 43, ch. 2012-7; s. 147, ch. 2014-150.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.21 - Management to Be for Public Interest.

589.21 Management to be for public interest.—All state forests and reforestation projects mentioned in this chapter shall be managed and administered by the Florida Forest Service in the interests of the public. If the public interests are not already safeguarded and clearly defined by law or by regulations adopted by the state agencies authorized by law to administer such lands, or in the papers formally transferring said projects to the Florida Forest Service for administration, then, and in that event, the Florida Forest Service may define the purpose of said project. Such definition of purposes shall be construed to have the authority of law.
History.—s. 4, ch. 16030, 1933; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-d); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 44, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.27 - Power of Eminent Domain; Procedure.

589.27 Power of eminent domain; procedure.—Whenever the Florida Forest Service shall find it necessary to acquire private property for state forests or rights-of-way for state forest roads, or for exercising any of the powers and duties authorized and prescribed by law to be exercised and performed by the Florida Forest Service, the Florida Forest Service is hereby empowered and authorized to exercise the right of eminent domain and to proceed to condemn said property in the same manner as provided by law for the condemnation of private property by counties.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20900, 1941; s. 28, ch. 29615, 1955; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 46, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.275 - Planting of Indigenous Trees on State Lands.

589.275 Planting of indigenous trees on state lands.—It is the intent of the Legislature to partially restore the character of the original domain of Florida by planting native trees on state lands, and to this end all state lands shall have a portion of such lands designated for indigenous trees, to be established and maintained by the using agency with the assistance of the Florida Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If the Florida Forest Service, or primary managing agency, determines that any state lands are unsuitable for this purpose, such lands shall be exempt from this requirement.
History.—s. 1, ch. 77-101; s. 47, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.277 - Tree Planting Programs.

589.277 Tree planting programs.—
(1) The Florida Forest Service shall administer federal, state, and privately sponsored tree planting programs designed to assist private rural landowners and urban communities.
(2) Contributions from governmental and private sources for tree planting programs may be accepted into the Federal Grants Trust Fund or the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service.
(3) The Florida Forest Service shall develop and implement guidelines and procedures under which the financial resources of the fund allocated for tree planting programs may be utilized for urban and rural reforestation.
(4) Grants to municipalities, counties, nonprofit organizations, and qualifying private landowners may be made from allocated moneys in the fund for the purpose of purchasing, planting, and maintaining native tree species.
(5) The Florida Forest Service shall assist the Department of Education in developing programs that teach the importance of trees in the urban, rural, and global environment.
History.—s. 1, ch. 90-304; s. 4, ch. 95-372; s. 20, ch. 2000-331; s. 9, ch. 2006-79; s. 48, ch. 2012-7; s. 44, ch. 2012-190.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.28 - County Commissions or Municipalities Authorized to Cooperate With Florida Forest Service.

589.28 County commissions or municipalities authorized to cooperate with Florida Forest Service.—County commissions or municipalities are authorized to cooperate with the Florida Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in providing assistance in forestry and forest-related knowledge and skills to stimulate the production of timber wealth through the proper use of forest land and to protect and improve the beauty of urban and suburban areas by helping to create in them an attractive and healthy environment through the proper use of trees and related plant associations. County commissions or municipalities are hereby authorized to appropriate funds and enter into cooperative agreements with the Florida Forest Service under the terms and conditions set forth in ss. 589.28-589.34.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20899, 1941; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-183; s. 49, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.29 - Quality of Assistance.

589.29 Quality of assistance.—Any advice and assistance provided under ss. 589.28-589.34 shall be the responsibility of the State Forester and the Florida Forest Service and shall be conducted under the supervision of a professional forester in an efficient and competent manner by personnel who have the required education, training and experience to accomplish the objectives of these sections.
History.—s. 2, ch. 20899, 1941; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, ch. 71-183; s. 50, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.30 - Duty of District or Center Manager.

589.30 Duty of district or center manager.—It shall be the duty of the district or center manager to direct all work in accordance with the law and regulations of the Florida Forest Service; gather and disseminate information in the management of commercial timber, including establishment, protection and utilization; and assist in the development and use of forest lands for outdoor recreation, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat. The district or center manager or his or her representative shall provide encouragement and technical assistance to individuals and urban and county officials in the planning, establishment, and management of trees and plant associations to enhance the beauty of the urban and suburban environment and meet outdoor recreational needs.
History.—s. 3, ch. 20899, 1941; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 71-183; s. 951, ch. 97-103; s. 51, ch. 2012-7; s. 22, ch. 2013-226.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.31 - Cooperative Agreement.

589.31 Cooperative agreement.—Before any assistance is provided under this law, the county or municipality and the Florida Forest Service, through their duly constituted representatives, shall enter into a mutually satisfactory cooperative agreement covering the specific duties, and set up a budget for any fiscal period beginning July 1 and ending June 30, and the county’s or municipality’s share of the budget provided shall be turned over to the Florida Forest Service, one-half on or before July 1, and the remainder on or before January 1, and placed in the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service.
History.—s. 4, ch. 20899, 1941; s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 4, ch. 71-183; s. 52, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.32 - Cost of Providing County Forestry Assistance.

589.32 Cost of providing county forestry assistance.—The cost of county forestry assistance provided under the provisions of ss. 589.28-589.34 shall be jointly determined and paid by the Florida Forest Service and the county commission or municipality and shall be not less than 40 percent of the cost of the equivalent of 1 person-year of assistance. However, the county or municipality share shall not exceed the sum of $3,000 per annum for each person-year of assistance provided.
History.—s. 5, ch. 20899, 1941; s. 1, ch. 63-399; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 5, ch. 71-183; s. 3, ch. 95-396; s. 952, ch. 97-103; s. 53, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.33 - Expenditure of Budgeted Funds.

589.33 Expenditure of budgeted funds.—Any money budgeted for a fiscal period shall be expended by the Florida Forest Service during the period for which it was budgeted and amounts not expended or specifically obligated by contract or other legal procedure during that period shall be available for the next fiscal period or shall be returned to the Florida Forest Service and the county or municipality in the same proportions as appropriated. However, when 40 percent of the cost of 1 person-year of assistance equals or exceeds $3,000, then in that event all budget balance will revert to the Florida Forest Service.
History.—s. 6, ch. 20899, 1941; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 6, ch. 71-183; s. 953, ch. 97-103; s. 54, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 589 - Forestry › 589.34 - Revocation of Agreement.

589.34 Revocation of agreement.—Any agreement or revision thereof entered into by the Florida Forest Service and a county or municipality under the provisions of this law shall continue from year to year, unless written notice is given to the other party 30 days prior to July 1 of any year of the intention to discontinue the work and cancel the agreement.
History.—s. 7, ch. 20899, 1941; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 7, ch. 71-183; s. 55, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.01 - Wildfire Protection.

590.01 Wildfire protection.—The Florida Forest Service has the primary responsibility for prevention, detection, and suppression of wildfires wherever they may occur. The Florida Forest Service shall provide leadership and direction in the evaluation, coordination, allocation of resources, and monitoring of wildfire management and protection. The Florida Forest Service shall promote natural resource management and fuel reduction through the use of prescribed fire and other fuel reduction measures.
History.—s. 2, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-hh); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 8, ch. 97-220; s. 1, ch. 99-292; s. 56, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.015 - Definitions.

590.015 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
(1) “Broadcast burning” means the burning of agricultural or natural vegetation by allowing fire to move across a predetermined area of land. The term does not include the burning of vegetative debris that is piled or stacked.
(2) “Fire management services” means presuppression fireline plowing, prescribed burning assistance, contract prescribed burning, prescribed and wildfire management training, and other activities associated with prevention, detection, and suppression of wildfires.
(3) “Fuel reduction” means the application of techniques that reduce vegetative fuels, and may include prescribed burning, manual and mechanical clearing, and the use of herbicides.
(4) “Open burning” means any outdoor fire or open combustion of material that produces visible emissions.
(5) “Wildfire” means any vegetative fire that threatens to destroy life, property, or natural resources.
(6) “Wild land” means any public or private managed or unmanaged forest, urban/interface, pasture or range land, recreation lands, or any other land at risk of wildfire.
History.—s. 2, ch. 99-292; s. 31, ch. 2000-308; ss. 54, 71, ch. 2011-206; s. 57, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.081 - Severe Drought Conditions; Burning Prohibited.

590.081 Severe drought conditions; burning prohibited.—
(1) The Commissioner of Agriculture may declare a severe drought emergency to exist and describe the general boundaries of the area affected.
(2) Any declaration by the Commissioner of Agriculture under authority of this section shall be effective immediately upon being filed with the Department of State and shall remain in full force and effect until conditions warrant a revocation. In order to end the declaration, the commissioner must file a revocation of the declaration with the Department of State.
(3) It is unlawful for any person to set fire to, or cause fire to be set to, any wild lands or to build a campfire or bonfire or to burn trash or other debris within the designated area of a severe drought emergency unless a written permit is obtained from the Florida Forest Service or its designated agent.
(4) Any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—ss. 1-5, ch. 57-246; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-64; s. 614, ch. 71-136; s. 1, ch. 75-264; s. 4, ch. 99-292; s. 59, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.082 - Extraordinary Fire Hazard; Certain Acts Made Unlawful; Proclamations by the Governor.

590.082 Extraordinary fire hazard; certain acts made unlawful; proclamations by the Governor.—
(1) When the Commissioner of Agriculture has declared a severe drought emergency to exist and described the general boundaries of the area affected as prescribed in s. 590.081 and the drought emergency continues until the wild lands become so dry or parched as to create an extraordinary fire hazard, the commissioner will advise the Governor that because of prolonged severe drought conditions an extraordinary fire hazard that could endanger life or property exists on wild lands.
(2) The Governor may by proclamation declare an extraordinary fire hazard to exist and describe the general boundaries of the area affected. Any proclamation promulgated by the Governor under authority of this section shall be effective immediately upon filing same with the Department of State and shall remain in effect until, when conditions warrant, an order of revocation of proclamation is made by the Governor and filed with the Department of State.
(3) It is unlawful for any person, except the owner or his or her agents, or persons with express permission of the landowner, or other persons regularly engaged in harvesting, processing, or moving forest or farm products, to enter or travel in any public or private wild land within the area described by proclamation, except on public roads or highways or on well-defined private roads.
(4) Any person violating any of the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-293; s. 1, ch. 75-264; s. 955, ch. 97-103; s. 5, ch. 99-292.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.10 - Disposing of Lighted Substances, Etc.

590.10 Disposing of lighted substances, etc.—
(1) It is unlawful for any person to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance, or any substance or thing which may or does cause a wildfire.
(2) Anyone who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 11, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-pp); s. 7, ch. 99-292.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.11 - Recreational Fires.

590.11 Recreational fires.—
(1) It is unlawful for any individual or group of individuals to build a warming fire, bonfire, or campfire and leave it unattended while visible flame, smoke, or emissions exist.
(2) Anyone who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 12, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-qq); s. 8, ch. 99-292; s. 40, ch. 2002-295; s. 24, ch. 2013-226.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.13 - Civil Liability.

590.13 Civil liability.—Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be liable for all damages caused by such violation, which damages shall be recoverable in any court of competent jurisdiction. The civil liability attaches whether or not there is criminal prosecution and conviction.
History.—s. 17, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-uu); s. 10, ch. 99-292.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.14 - Notice of Violation; Penalties; Legislative Intent.

590.14 Notice of violation; penalties; legislative intent.—
(1) If a Florida Forest Service employee determines that a person has violated chapter 589, this chapter, or any rule adopted by the Florida Forest Service to administer provisions of law conferring duties upon the Florida Forest Service, the Florida Forest Service employee may issue a notice of violation indicating the statute or rule violated. This notice will be filed with the Florida Forest Service and a copy forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement entity for further action if necessary.
(2) In addition to any penalties provided by law, any person who causes a wildfire or permits any authorized fire to escape the boundaries of the authorization or to burn past the time of the authorization is liable for the payment of all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in suppressing the fire or $150, whichever is greater. All costs and expenses incurred by the Florida Forest Service shall be payable to the Florida Forest Service. When such costs and expenses are not paid within 30 days after demand, the Florida Forest Service may take proper legal proceedings for the collection of the costs and expenses. Those costs incurred by an agency acting at the direction of the Florida Forest Service are recoverable by that agency.
(3) The department may also impose an administrative fine in the Class I category pursuant to s. 570.971 for each violation of chapter 589 or this chapter or violation of any rule adopted by the Florida Forest Service to administer law conferring duties upon the Florida Forest Service. The fine shall be based upon the degree of damage, the prior violation record of the person, and whether the person knowingly provided false information to obtain an authorization. The fines shall be deposited in the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service.
(4) A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, if the person:
(a) Fails to comply with any rule or order adopted by the Florida Forest Service to administer provisions of law conferring duties upon it; or
(b) Knowingly makes any false statement or representation in any application, record, plan, or other document required by this chapter or any rules adopted under this chapter.
(5) It is the intent of the Legislature that a penalty imposed by a court under subsection (4) be of a severity that ensures immediate and continued compliance with this section.
(6) The penalties provided in this section shall extend to both the actual violator and the person or persons, firm, or corporation causing, directing, or permitting the violation.
History.—s. 15, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 7404(2); s. 1, ch. 20898, 1941; s. 2, ch. 26915, 1951; s. 615, ch. 71-136; s. 82, ch. 93-169; s. 11, ch. 99-292; s. 32, ch. 2000-308; s. 49, ch. 2002-295; s. 57, ch. 2011-206; s. 62, ch. 2012-7; s. 151, ch. 2014-150.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.15 - Burden of Proof.

590.15 Burden of proof.—In any prosecution or civil action brought under the provisions of this chapter it shall not be necessary for the state or plaintiff to allege and prove absence of the right or authority of the defendant to set or cause to be set the fire, but such right and authority shall be a matter of affirmative defense to be alleged and proved by the defendant.
History.—s. 13, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-rr).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.16 - Rewards.

590.16 Rewards.—The Florida Forest Service, in its discretion, may offer and pay rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who violates any provision of this chapter.
History.—s. 16, ch. 17029, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 4151(10-tt); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 12, ch. 99-292; s. 63, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.25 - Penalty for Obstructing the Prevention, Detection, or Suppression of Wildfires.

590.25 Penalty for obstructing the prevention, detection, or suppression of wildfires.—Whoever interferes with, obstructs or commits any act aimed to obstruct the prevention, detection, or suppression of wildfires by the employees of the Florida Forest Service or any other person engaged in the prevention, detection, or suppression of a wildfire, or who damages or destroys any equipment being used for such purpose, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 1, ch. 26833, 1951; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 616, ch. 71-136; s. 13, ch. 99-292; s. 64, ch. 2012-7; s. 26, ch. 2013-226.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.27 - Penalty for Mutilating or Destroying Forestry or Fire Control Signs and Posters.

590.27 Penalty for mutilating or destroying forestry or fire control signs and posters.—Whoever intentionally breaks down, mutilates, removes, or destroys any fire control or forestry sign or poster commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 3, ch. 26833, 1951; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 617, ch. 71-136; s. 14, ch. 99-292.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.28 - Intentional or Reckless Burning of Lands.

590.28 Intentional or reckless burning of lands.—
(1) Whoever intentionally burns, sets fire to, or causes to be burned or causes any fire to be set to, any wild land or vegetative land clearing debris not owned by, or in the lawful possession of, the person setting such fire or burning such lands or causing such fire to be set or lands to be burned without complying with s. 590.125, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(2) Whoever recklessly burns, sets fire to, or causes to be burned any wild lands not owned by, or in the lawful possession of, the person setting the fire or burning the lands or causing the fire to be set or lands to be burned, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 29919, 1955; s. 15, ch. 99-292; s. 33, ch. 2000-308.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.29 - Illegal Possession of Incendiary Device.

590.29 Illegal possession of incendiary device.—
(1) It is unlawful for a person other than a certified fire or law enforcement instructor to have in his or her possession any incendiary device as defined by subsection (3) with the intent to use such device for the purpose of burning or setting fire to any wild land, if such person is not the owner of, nor, as under a lease, in lawful possession of, the wild land.
(2) The possession of any incendiary device as defined by subsection (3) is prima facie evidence of the intent of the person possessing such device to use such device for the purpose of burning or setting fire to wild land if such person is not the owner of the wild land.
(3) The term “incendiary device” as used in this section is included but not limited to any “slow match” which is any device contrived to accomplish the delayed ignition of a match or matches or other inflammable material by the use of a cigarette, rope, or candle to which such match or matches are attached, or a magnifying glass so focused as to intensify heat on inflammable material and thus cause a fire to start at a subsequent time, and any chemicals or chemically treated paper or material, or other combustible material so arranged or designed as to make possible its use as a delayed firing device.
(4) Anyone who violates this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—s. 1, ch. 29919, 1955; s. 3, ch. 84-7; s. 957, ch. 97-103; s. 16, ch. 99-292.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.32 - Compact; Effective Date; Ratification.

590.32 Compact; effective date; ratification.—When the Governor shall have executed the compact on behalf of this state and shall have caused a verified copy thereof to be filed with the Department of State and when the compact shall have been ratified by one or more of the states named in s. 590.31, then the compact shall become operative and effective as between this state and such other state or states. The Governor is hereby authorized and directed to take such action as may be necessary to complete the exchange of official documents as between this state and any other state ratifying the compact.
History.—s. 2, ch. 29635, 1955; ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.33 - State Compact Administrator; Compact Advisory Committee.

590.33 State compact administrator; compact advisory committee.—In pursuance of art. III of the compact, the director of the Florida Forest Service shall act as compact administrator for Florida of the Southeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact during his or her term of office as director, and his or her successor as compact administrator shall be his or her successor as director of the Florida Forest Service. As compact administrator, he or she shall be an ex officio member of the advisory committee of the Southeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact, and chair ex officio of the Florida members of the advisory committee. There shall be four members of the Southeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact Advisory Committee from Florida. Two of the members from Florida shall be members of the Legislature of Florida, one from the Senate designated by the President of the Senate and one from the House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the terms of any such members shall terminate at the time they cease to hold legislative office, and their successors as members shall be named in like manner. The Governor shall appoint the other two members from Florida, one of whom shall be associated with forestry or forest products industries. The terms of such members shall be 3 years and such members shall hold office until their respective successors shall be appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring in the office of such members from any reason or cause shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired term. The director of the Florida Forest Service as compact administrator for Florida may delegate, from time to time, to any deputy or other subordinate in his or her department or office, the power to be present and participate, including voting as his or her representative or substitute at any meeting of or hearing by or other proceeding of the compact administrators or of the advisory committee. The terms of each of the initial four memberships, whether appointed at said time or not, shall begin upon the date upon which the compact shall become effective in accordance with art. II of said compact. Any member of the advisory committee may be removed from office by the Governor upon charges and after a hearing.
History.—s. 3, ch. 29635, 1955; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 959, ch. 97-103; s. 17, ch. 99-292; s. 156, ch. 2010-102; s. 36, ch. 2011-34; s. 74, ch. 2012-5; s. 65, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.34 - State Compact Administrator and Compact Advisory Committee Members; Powers; Aid From Other State Agencies.

590.34 State compact administrator and compact advisory committee members; powers; aid from other state agencies.—There is hereby granted to the director of the Florida Forest Service, as compact administrator and chair ex officio of the Florida members of the advisory committee, and to the members from Florida of the advisory committee all the powers provided for in the compact and all the powers necessary or incidental to the carrying out of the compact in every particular. All officers of Florida are hereby authorized and directed to do all things falling within their respective provinces and jurisdiction necessary or incidental to the carrying out of the compact in every particular; it being hereby declared to be the policy of the state to perform and carry out the said compact and to accomplish the purposes thereof. All officers, bureaus, departments, and persons of and in the state government or administration of the state are hereby authorized and directed at convenient times and upon request of the compact administrator or of the advisory committee to furnish information data relating to the purposes of the compact possessed by them or any of them to the compact administrator of the advisory committee. They are further authorized to aid the compact administrator or the advisory committee by loan of personnel, equipment, or other means in carrying out the purposes of the compact.
History.—s. 4, ch. 29635, 1955; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 960, ch. 97-103; s. 18, ch. 99-292; s. 66, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.35 - Construction of Ss. 590.31-590.34.

590.35 Construction of ss. 590.31-590.34.—Any powers herein granted to the Florida Forest Service shall be regarded as in aid of and supplemental to and in no case a limitation upon any of the powers vested in the Florida Forest Service by other laws of Florida or by the laws of the States of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or by the Congress or the terms of the compact.
History.—s. 5, ch. 29635, 1955; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 67, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.42 - Federally Funded Fire Protection Assistance Programs.

590.42 Federally funded fire protection assistance programs.—
(1) The Florida Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may enter into agreements with the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States in order to participate in the Federal Rural Community Fire Protection Program authorized by Pub. L. No. 92-419, whereby the Federal Government provides financial assistance to the states on a matching basis of up to 50 percent of expenditures for such purposes.
(2) With respect to the formulation of projects relating to fire protection of livestock, wildlife, crops, pastures, orchards, rangeland, woodland, farmsteads, or other improvements, and other values in rural areas, for which such federal matching funds are available, any participating county or fire department may contribute to the nonfederal matching share and may also contribute such other nonfederal cooperation as may be deemed necessary by the Florida Forest Service.
(3) The provisions of this section are supplementary to the provisions of s. 125.27.
History.—s. 1, ch. 73-243; s. 19, ch. 99-292; s. 68, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 590 - Forest Protection › 590.61 - Forestry Arson Alert Program.

590.61 Forestry arson alert program.—The forestry arson alert program is hereby established within the department. The purpose of this program is to:
(1) Engage in any lawful activity to enhance public awareness of the economic costs, environmental damage, and cultural deprivations which accompany forest fires.
(2) Engage in any lawful activity to enhance public awareness of the importance of quick reports of forest arson and of accurate reporting of information to law enforcement officials to the apprehension of persons engaged in forest arson.
(3) Reward public-spirited citizens who cooperate with law enforcement officials in the apprehension and conviction of persons engaged in forest arson.
(4) Provide public recognition to public-spirited citizens who contribute to the prevention of forest arson through education programs and assistance to law enforcement officials.
History.—s. 24, ch. 92-151.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 591 - Forest Development › 591.15 - Community Forests; Short Title.

591.15 Community forests; short title.—The short title for ss. 591.16-591.26 shall be the “Florida Community Forest Law.”
History.—s. 2, ch. 20902, 1941.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 591 - Forest Development › 591.16 - Community Forests; Purposes.

591.16 Community forests; purposes.—The general purposes of this law are:
(1) To encourage counties, cities, towns, and school districts to utilize idle lands for productive forest purposes.
(2) To encourage reduction of taxation through producing income from wise use of such lands.
(3) To encourage development and make available, in community forests, areas having desirable recreational features.
(4) To encourage forestry education by establishing permanent forests for use of vocational agriculture departments, schools, and Boy and Girl Scout troops.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20902, 1941.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 591 - Forest Development › 591.17 - Community Forests; Definitions.

591.17 Community forests; definitions.—The terms hereinafter used, unless the text clearly indicates a different meaning, shall be as follows:
(1) The term “governing board” shall mean county commissioners, city commissioners, town councils, school boards, or any other governing body of counties, cities, towns, or school districts.
(2) The term “community forest” shall mean any forest area established under this law by a county, city, town, or school district.
(3) The term “forestry committee” shall mean the appointed committee for directing the activities of community forests.
(4) The term “counties, cities, towns” shall mean any recognized political subdivision of the state government.
(5) The term “school district” shall mean individual school districts of a county or vocational agricultural departments located in these districts.
(6) The term “forest products” shall mean any product produced from trees.
(7) The term “contiguous sale” shall mean sale of like forest products from adjoining areas that normally would be in the same sale area as determined by the forester on the forestry committee.
History.—s. 3, ch. 20902, 1941; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 69-300; s. 253, ch. 71-377; s. 205, ch. 77-104; s. 69, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 591 - Forest Development › 591.18 - Community Forests; Purchase or Establishment.

591.18 Community forests; purchase or establishment.—All counties, cities, towns, or school districts, through their governing boards, are hereby empowered to establish, from lands owned by such county, city, town, or school district in fee simple, or to acquire by purchase or gift, lands at present covered with forest or tree growth, or suitable for the growth of trees, and to administer the same under the direction of the Florida Forest Service, in accordance with the practice and principles of scientific forestry, for the benefit of the said counties, cities, towns, or school districts. Such tracts may be of any size suitable for the purpose but must be located within the county embracing the county, city, town, or school district, provided that it shall be requisite for the governing board availing itself of the provisions of this law to submit to the Florida Forest Service, and secure its approval of the area and location of any lands proposed to be acquired or used for the purposes of county, city, town, or school district forests.
History.—s. 4, ch. 20902, 1941; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 70, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry › Chapter 591 - Forest Development › 591.19 - Community Forests; Tax Delinquent Lands.

591.19 Community forests; tax delinquent lands.—The Department of Revenue, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, counties, cities, towns, school districts, or any other public agency holding fee simple or tax certificate lands are hereby empowered to, and may, upon application to them, transfer title of fee simple lands not in other public use to any county, city, town, or school district for forest purposes as described under this law, provided such lands are approved by the Florida Forest Service for this purpose.
History.—s. 5, ch. 20902, 1941; ss. 14, 21, 27, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 155, ch. 71-355; s. 71, ch. 2012-7.