This application is for a permit that will entitle the person named on the permit to collect, for the period of one (1) year, vertebrate fossils on land owned or leased by the State of Florida.

The permittee must abide by all the provisions contained in Florida Statutes 1004.575-576 and Rule 6C1-7.0541.

DO NOT USE THIS FORM if you already have a permit or had one at any time in the past and wish to renew it for an additional year. Follow these instructions instead to renew. This form is only for individuals who have never had a permit before.

If your permit has expired, it should be renewed (do not apply for a new permit). Even if it was last valid many years ago. If you do not remember your permit number or the exact dates when it was last valid, then email us at vertpaleo@floridamuseum.ufl.edu and we will look that information up for you.

Print out and mail the completed application to:

Program of Vertebrate Paleontology
1659 Museum Road
Gainesville, FL 32611-7800, USA

The following must be enclosed with the filled-out application:

  1. Photocopy of applicant(s) identification document (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport).
  2. Check or money order for $5.00 per applicant in U.S. currency, payable to the University of Florida. If you are sending multiple applications, include one check for the total amount, not multiple checks of $5. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN YOUR CHECKS AND MONEY ORDERS!
  3. If you have a US address and are requesting 3 to 5 permits, please include $1 for the extra postage. Please add $1 for every 3 additional permits to be mailed.
  4. For permits mailed to an address outside of the US, including Canada and Mexico, please include $2 for 1 to 2 permits. Please add $2 for every 3 additional permits to be mailed.

***Disclaimer: Applications, forms of identification, checks, and/or money orders not properly submitted or filled out will cause a serious delay in receiving your permit. We are afforded only 10 hours per week to process applications and renewals.

New to the Program!

Expect to receive a digital PDF version of your permit at the email address provided. The permit will be sent to you from vertpaleo@floridamuseum.ufl.edu which has occasionally been showing up in spam folders. You may print and carry or download and show your permit from a smart device if approached by FWC officers while fossil hunting.