Yes! Deadhead logging is not allowed in Aquatic Preserves, land-locked lakes and several rivers. Logging is also restricted by state parks or near endangered species such as gulf sturgeon spawning locations.

FDEP Prohibited Waterbodies (PDF 1.5 MB)

What areas are approved for deadhead logging?

Permitted river reaches require an archeological survey as part of the application process.

List of the completed archeological surveys (PDF 25 KB)

FDEP Archeological Surveys for Deadhead Logging Program Map (PDF 1.3 MB)

FDEP Statewide Issued Deadhead Logging Permits (PDF 1.3 MB)

How do I apply to recover deadheads?

You will need to submit a permit application (62.346.900(1) in the Northwest District and 62-343.900(1) for all other Departmental Districts), the required information and the required application fee ($500 - $830).

How much will it cost for me to log?

The 5-year Environmental Resource Permit application fee is between $500 and $830.

The Use Agreement annual fee is $5,500.

Additional cost will be incurred as a logger is required to hold liability insurance while their Use Agreement is valid.

What information is required for the application process?

GPS points for the start and stop of the river reach as well as for the location that is going to be used to remove deadheads from the water.

Photos of the removal site(s) and vessel(s) that are going to be used in the log recovery operation.

Landing authorization from landowner for the site where logs will be removed from the water

Archeological survey (if required)

Publication of Notice of Application

Will I be the only one logging in my permitted area?

No. The State of Florida does not have an exclusionary permit program. There may be several loggers permitted to work in the same area of the river.

How many deadhead logs are left?

Unfortunately there is no way of knowing how many deadhead logs remain on the river bottoms. Numerous waterways have already been permitted for logging operations; however, there are still a great number of water bodies that have never been a part of permitted logging activities.

What is considered a deadhead log?

A Permit to retrieve Pre-cut Submerged Timber, or deadhead logs, allows the removal of logs that were cut during the State’s logging boom from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. Most of these timbers can be recognized by the ax marks at the end of the log. A Permit does not allow recovery of any deadfall or naturally occurring timber that may be found in the river system.

During the permitting process, are there any other requirements?

A Permittee will be required to attend a Departmental sponsored course and receive a Master Deadhead Logger Certification. This educational component of the permit provides the logger with legal and environmental knowledge regarding the conditions of his permit. This course is held in coordination between several sections of the Department, the Department of State - Division of Historical Resources, and the Division of Forestry.