Florida nursery license questions

[TheDom]

I'm looking into getting a Florida nursery license for my backyard nursery, and wanted to get some input from members who have more experience with it. Specifically, is there anything I should know or avoid doing before sending in the paperwork or as things move forwards? Anything specific inspectors get upset over?

Here's my pro/con list so far, please let me know what I'm leaving out.

Pros:
-Able to market plants without worrying about the Dept of Making Me Sad sending fines/angry letters.
-Wholesale pricing at some nurseries.
Cons:
-Whopping $25 fee per year
-Having to have inspections done every so often.

[fyliu]

OT, but I think the nursery license is $75 in CA.

Probably have to do periodic spraying of certain species depending on what you're growing. Citrus...

[FlyingFoxFruits]

it's so easy, just do it...the people that come to inspect are usually awesome people, a joy to have around...not stressful at all.

you can cancel the agreement at anytime, and have your privacy back (they don't invade your privacy at all though...so don't worry)

[dongeorgio]

It couldn't be easier.  For a nominal sum and a cursory 10 min annual inspection, you are granted a nursery license to use as you see fit.  Take the plunge.  The hardest part is filling out the initial paperwork and that was simple.

[Vernmented]

Totally worth it. Be careful though, pretty soon you will set up an LLC and open a business bank and credit account.

[TheDom]

Yeah, I figure I do sole proprietorship for a few years, get a few years of schedule F under my belt so I can qualify for USDA loans on some Ag land if that makes sense to do at that point. Maybe the LLC at that point. No sense in complicating the taxes just yet.

Totally worth it. Be careful though, pretty soon you will set up an LLC and open a business bank and credit account.

Are there any requirements for spraying stuff as was mentioned earlier? Is that type of thing more for shipping outside of FL?

[dongeorgio]

The whole process is a rubber stamp and  a check for $25.  Don't sweat it.  They will stroll through your yard say "yup, yup, everything looks good here"  and that about does it. 

[Cookie Monster]

Nope, unless you plan to ship (esp CA, TX, AZ, GA), in which case you'll have a lot of hoops to jump through to do it legally.

Are there any requirements for spraying stuff as was mentioned earlier? Is that type of thing more for shipping outside of FL?

[TheDom]

Awesome, thanks everybody! Gotta figure out a name now. I'm thinking This Land Nursery. Maybe with a little T-Rex and stegosaurus in the logo background somewhere.
https://youtu.be/znxFrgql5dc

[BENDERSGROVE]

You will be also required to be bonded if you pay by check, not necessary if you pay with cash, Minimum bond $5000 Costs around $100 + yearly registration to dept of ag which is $175

[geosulcata]

Request the nursery stamp form and fire ant stamp paper if you plan to ship plants. Both were free when we requested.

[TheDom]

Check? Is that the thing I've got propped under the foot of the fax machine? 

Edited to add: in all seriousness thanks, that's good to know.

You will be also required to be bonded if you pay by check, not necessary if you pay with cash, Minimum bond $5000 Costs around $100 + yearly registration to dept of ag which is $175

[dongeorgio]

You will be also required to be bonded if you pay by check, not necessary if you pay with cash, Minimum bond $5000 Costs around $100 + yearly registration to dept of ag which is $175

I've paid by check every year without issue and am not bonded.  That is odd

[TheDom]

I looked into it a bit and the check thing is if you're buying agricultural products for resale and not using cash or a cash equivalent (debit card/money order/cashier's check) to pay for those agricultural products. This is completely separate from how you pay for your nursery license.

http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Agriculture-Industry/Business-Development-Resources/Agricultural-Dealer-s-Licenses/FAQ
My suppliers of agricultural products say I need something from your office before they will sell me agricultural products for resale. What do I need?
If your "supplier" is a Florida producer or acts as an agent for a Florida producer and you purchase agricultural products for resale and pay for such purchases with other than US cash currency or a cash equivalent (money order, cashier's check, wire transfer, electronic funds transfer, or debit card), you must be licensed and bonded as a dealer in agricultural products.
What products are covered by the law?
Every agricultural product grown in Florida, except citrus-other than limes, tobacco and sugar cane.

You will be also required to be bonded if you pay by check, not necessary if you pay with cash, Minimum bond $5000 Costs around $100 + yearly registration to dept of ag which is $175

I've paid by check every year without issue and am not bonded.  That is odd

[FlyingFoxFruits]

You will be also required to be bonded if you pay by check, not necessary if you pay with cash, Minimum bond $5000 Costs around $100 + yearly registration to dept of ag which is $175

I've paid by check every year without issue and am not bonded.  That is odd

never heard of that either...sounds like the inspector you're dealing with is trying to be a hero...or maybe it's a local county or city rule?

[Cookie Monster]

I pay by check every year.

[Tropicaliste]

Out of curiosity, what are you looking to grow/sell?