Saw palmetto berries: Why it's illegal to pick this Florida fruit, even on your own land

Photo for illustrative purposes only by The Florida Guidebook on Unsplash

​A recent incident that raised concerns over illegal harvesting of saw palmetto berries in Big Shoals State Park reconfirmed local law enforcement's ongoing efforts to protect this Florida-native fruit.

The incident, as reported in a press release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, unfolded last month when authorities received reports of two groups illegally harvesting saw palmetto berries within the park, with tensions escalating between the two groups. Responding officers worked to defuse the situation and address the unlawful harvesting activities.

But this is only one of many illegal harvesting incidents reported throughout Florida just this year--and what's more, picking them on your own private land is illegal under Florida Statute 581.185 (d).

​Harvesting these olive-looking fruits can cost several hundreds in fines as well as as putting you at risk for arrest and prosecution of a First-Degree Misdemeanor.

According to multiple online sources, people illegally harvest saw palmetto berries primarily for economic reasons, as they have a market value in the herbal supplement and medicine industry, particularly for prostate health.

Florida law requires residents to have a permit to harvest saw palmetto berries on privately-owned land, including your own. pic.twitter.com/JmjQGdJbu6

— W. Craig Weyandt (@grsfarmer) August 13, 2023

Why is Picking Saw Palmetto Berries Illegally a Concern in Florida?

​Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), was put on the "Commercially Exploited Plant List" in 2018 by The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, requiring a permit for harvesting and selling. It is a native plant species in Florida, and it is illegal to pick its berries without the appropriate permits and authorization. This prohibition is rooted in concerns related to conservation and the regulation of this natural resource.
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The main concerns with illegal harvesting include the following:

• Saw palmetto berries are a crucial food source for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals. Indiscriminate harvesting can disrupt the ecological balance by reducing the availability of this essential food source for wildlife. Unregulated harvesting can lead to overexploitation, potentially threatening the long-term sustainability of saw palmetto berries as a continued food source for wildlife.
• Saw palmetto is integral to Florida's natural ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in stabilizing sand dunes, preventing soil erosion, and supporting the growth of other native plant species. Unauthorized harvesting poses a risk to the health and resilience of this native vegetation.
• Ensuring the quality and purity of raw materials like saw palmetto berries is crucial in the production of herbal supplements and medicines. Legal and regulated harvesting ensures that the berries meet certain quality standards, benefiting consumers and manufacturers alike.
• Unregulated harvesting carries potential risks related to the cleanliness and safety of the harvested berries. Without proper oversight, there is a higher risk of contamination or adulteration of the product, posing potential health hazards to consumers.
  
  

The only way to legally harvest saw palmetto berries in Florida is by applying for a permit here.