The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has adopted a new rule for harvesting and selling saw palmetto berries.

According to the agency, widespread gathering of these berries is depleting a wildlife food source and threatening the stability of some ecosystems. Saw palmetto has been added to the state’s list of commercially exploited plants.

A landowner harvesting saw palmetto berries for sale or a contracted harvester working on either public or private land must obtain a Native Plant Harvesting Permit from the Division of Plant Industry.

Anyone who transports for sale, sells or offers to sell the berries must also secure a Native Plant Harvesting Permit.

In all instances, a permit application must be submitted 14 days prior to the intended date of harvest. The new rule will be implemented on July 17.