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  • Shaness Thomas, Environmental Manager
    FL Dept of Ag & Consumer Services
    Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement
    3125 Conner Boulevard, L-29, Lab 8
    Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650
    T: 850-617-7875
    E: shaness.thomas@FDACS.gov

  • Patricia Lucas, Chief
    FL Dept of Ag & Consumer Services
    Bureau of Agricultural Environmental Laboratories
    3125 Conner Boulevard, Building 7
    Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650
    T: 850-617-7835
    E: patricia.lucas@FDACS.gov

  • Neil Richmond, Chief, Bureau of Inspection and Incidence Response
    FL Dept of Ag & Consumer Services
    3125 Conner Boulevard, Conner Administration Bldg.
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
    T: 850-617-7862
    E: neil.richmond@FDACS.gov

  • Nicole Fried, Commissioner
    Capitol Building, 400 South Monroe Street
    Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
    T: 850-617-7700


The following responses are provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in regards to general questions about the Florida State Seed Law.

ARBITRATION:
- Does your state have "arbitration legislation in place to arbitrate disputes between buyer and seller?
Answer =YES

PRE-EMPTION LEGISLATION:
- Does your state have "pre-emption" legislation to restrict local political subdivisions from regulating seed?
Answer = YES

BRAND LABELING:
- Does your state allow abbreviations on the seed label?
ANSWER = YES - There is no specific language that disallows abbreviations, so by default, abbreviations are allowed.

- Does your state allow for "brand name" labeling on seed?
ANSWER = YES

VARIETY LABELING:
- Does your state allow for "Variety Not Stated" labeling?
Answer = In Florida we don't allow the designation "Variety Not Stated" or VNS to be used on labels. Kind and variety are required (F.S. Ch. 578.09)

- What is the germination test date requirement for agricultural seeds in your state?
Answer = 9 months

- What is the germination test date requirement for turf seeds in your state?
Answer = 9 months

GMO REGULATIONS:
- Does your state law have any specific language regulating “GMOs”?
Answer = NO

- Describe your state's process for updating the noxious weed seed list:
Answer = Promulgation through administrative rules.