Florida Statutes Title XVIII. Public Lands and Property § 253.68. Authority to lease or use submerged lands and water column for aquaculture activities

(2)(a) The Legislature finds that the state's ability to supply fresh seafood and other aquaculture products has been diminished by a combination of factors, including a diminution of the resources and restrictions on the harvest of certain marine species.  The Legislature declares that it is in the state's economic, resource enhancement, and food production interests to promote aquaculture production of food and nonfood aquatic species by facilitating the review and approval processes for authorizing the use of sovereignty submerged land or the water column;  simplifying environmental permitting;  supporting educational, research, and demonstration programs;  and assisting certain local governments to develop aquaculture as a means to promote economic development.  The Legislature declares that aquaculture shall be recognized as a practicable resource management alternative to produce marine aquaculture products, to protect and conserve natural resources, to reduce competition for natural stocks, and to augment and restore natural populations.  Therefore, for the purpose of this section, the Legislature declares that aquaculture is in the public interest.

(b) It shall be the policy of the state to foster aquaculture development when the aquaculture activity is consistent with state resource management goals, environmental protection, proprietary interests, and the state aquaculture plan.