Wild Coral Collection in Florida

[NoahCod]

Hi, I'm planning a trip to florida and I am wondering where it is legal to collect wild corals. I won't be taking live rock and I know the rules about collecting, but I have no idea where to go out and get them.
If anyone has a map or something to show where it is legal, it would be greatly appreciated :)

 

[hijinks7]

pretty sure any coral that is legal to collect that is connected to rock is illegal. I'd contact authorities though and not trust people over the internet. I've heard people in forums being arrested for harvesting.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd contact authorities though and not trust people over the internet. I've heard people in forums being arrested for harvesting.

lol

Maybe you need to find better internet buddies.

http://myfwc.com/research/habitat/coral/news-information/rules-and-regulations/

“In the state of Florida there are specific rules governing the commercial, nonlethal harvest of marine life. Throughout the state of Florida the collection of stony corals, fire corals, and the octocorals Gorgonia flabellum and G. ventalina (common sea-fans) is prohibited. The collection of octocoral species is restricted. The harvest of live-rock, substrate with living organisms attached, is illegal unless harvested at a licensed aquaculture area. Additionally, any harvest of the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, is prohibited.”