During the peak harvesting season for saw palmetto berries, deputies in Central Florida have stepped up enforcement against illegal picking. Over the past two weeks, law‑enforcement agencies in Volusia and Brevard counties have taken custody of multiple people who harvested the berries without the required state permit or landowner permission.
Local arrests highlight ongoing poaching problem
In Volusia County, a body‑camera video captured a deputy confronting a father and son from DeLand as they collected berries. “What are you guys out here doing?” the deputy asked. One of the men replied, “We’re just berry picking.” The deputy later noted that this type of crime has been widely reported in the news.
Another incident involved a woman from Osteen who was arrested after deputies said she harvested roughly 15 pounds of berries. When questioned, she claimed the berries were for a smoothie for her brother, not for sale or profit.
Industry leader urges compliance
Troy Rentz, president of the Saw Palmetto Market, said illegal harvesting remains a persistent issue. Rentz helped secure the 2018 state law that requires a permit to harvest saw palmetto and added the plant to Florida’s commercially exploited plant list. “These berries are sought‑after for prostate health, hair loss, and digestive benefits,” he explained, noting that this season’s crop appears more abundant than last year.
Rentz emphasized that poaching harms legitimate farmers and ranchers. “It’s important to get the permit and harvest ethically for a sustainable future,” he said. He warned that many harvesters trespass on lands with conservation easements, state or federal property, and wildlife preserves, underscoring the need for landowner permission.
How to obtain a permit
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers an online application for saw palmetto permits. Processing typically takes about two weeks, making legal harvesting accessible for those who follow the rules.
Deputies in Brevard County also made arrests this past weekend, detaining four individuals accused of harvesting roughly 200 pounds of berries without a permit. The illegal activity is classified as a third‑degree felony under state law, reflecting the seriousness with which Florida treats unauthorized exploitation of its natural resources.
Why the crackdown matters
Saw palmetto berries have long been valued for their medicinal properties, and the state’s permit system aims to balance commercial use with conservation. By enforcing these regulations, local law‑enforcement helps protect the plant’s long‑term viability, supports legitimate growers, and upholds the rule of law that safeguards Florida’s natural heritage.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
