# Fla. Stat. § 597.002: 597.002 Legislative declaration of public policy respecting aquaculture

> Florida · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.002

## Section

- **Citation:** Fla. Stat. § 597.002
- **Heading:** 597.002 Legislative declaration of public policy respecting aquaculture
- **Jurisdiction:** Florida
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Florida Code / Title XXXV / Chapter 597 / Section 597.002

## Text

The Legislature declares that aquaculture is agriculture and, as such, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall be the primary agency responsible for regulating aquaculture, any other law to the contrary notwithstanding. The only exceptions are those areas required by federal law, rule, or cooperative agreement to be regulated by another agency. The Legislature declares that, in order to effectively support the growth of aquaculture in this state, there is a need for a state aquaculture plan that will provide for the coordination and prioritization of state aquaculture efforts and the conservation and enhancement of aquatic resources and will provide mechanisms for increasing aquaculture production which may lead to the creation of new industries, job opportunities, income for aquaculturists, and other benefits to the state. The state aquaculture plan shall guide the research and development of the aquaculture industry. Funds designated by the Legislature for aquaculture research and development or for contracting for aquaculture research and development shall be used to address the projects and activities designated in the state aquaculture plan. Any entity receiving legislative funding for aquaculture research and development programs shall report annually to the department all activities related to aquaculture to facilitate coordination and compliance with the state aquaculture plan.

History: s. 2, ch. 84-90; s. 3, ch. 90-92; s. 8, ch. 91-187; s. 24, ch. 96-247; s. 24, ch. 98-333.

## Nearby sections

- [Fla. Stat. § 597.001 597.001 Florida Aquaculture Policy Act; short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.001.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.002 597.002 Legislative declaration of public policy respecting aquaculture.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.002.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.003 597.003 Powers and duties of Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.003.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.004 597.004 Aquaculture certificate of registration.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.004.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.005 597.005 Aquaculture Review Council.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.005.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.010 597.010 Shellfish regulation; leases.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.010.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.0015 597.0015 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.0015.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.020 597.020 Shellfish processors; regulation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.020.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.0021 597.0021 Legislative intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.0021.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.0041 597.0041 Prohibited acts; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.0041.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.0042 597.0042 Public records exemptions; aquaculture records.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.0042.md)
- [Fla. Stat. § 597.0045 597.0045 Cultured shellfish theft reward program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.0045.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_FL_TXXXV_C597_S597.002. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.