Research Permits
1A-32 Archaeological Research Permit for Work on State Lands in Florida
About 1A-32 Permits
Archaeological field investigations may only be conducted on state-owned lands in Florida under the authority of a research permit issued pursuant to Chapter 1A-32, Florida Administrative Code. Requiring permits for research ensures that state-owned cultural resources are administered in a spirit of stewardship and trusteeship on behalf of Florida's citizens. 1A-32 permits are only issued to professional archaeologists who have histories of responsible work and project completion. The permitting process holds archaeologists accountable for turning in reports, site forms, and cultural material within one year of fieldwork completion.
Florida Administrative Code
Archaeological Research Permits are issued in accordance with Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, and the permitting process is explained in detail in Chapter 1A-32, Florida Administrative Code. Archaeological resources on Florida's state-owned lands belong to the state with the title vested in the Division of Historical Resources for the purposes of administration and protection (Section 267.061, Florida Statutes). Excavating on state-owned lands without a permit is a felony of the third degree, and altering archaeological sites on state-owned lands without a permit is a misdemeanor of the first degree (Section 267.13, Florida Statutes). Violations are punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
Which Projects Need Permits
Archaeological Research permits are issued for each project, not each researcher. If any portion of a project is conducted on state-owned lands, a permit is required. State-owned lands include but are not limited to Florida State Parks; sovereign submerged lands (research and compliance work only, not commercial salvers); State Preserves; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Lands; State Wildlife Management Areas; State Forests; State Trails and Greenways; and State Universities. If you are unsure about property ownership in your project area, please consult the Property Appraiser's Web Site or email us.
Requirements for Permit Holders
To obtain an archaeological research permit, the project archaeologist must be a professional who meets the Secretary of Interior's Professional Standards for Archeology (PDF). SOI qualified archaeologists hold a graduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field; have at least a year of professional experience in archaeology; and have demonstrated the ability to carry research to completion. All professional archaeologists should adhere to the Society for American Archaeology Principles of Ethics (PDF). Research Permits will not be issued to individuals with overdue permits, unless the Bureau of Archaeological Research has granted an extension.
Permit Reporting Requirements
Reports, artifacts, and Florida Master Site File forms for permitted projects must be submitted to DHR within one year of the last day of fieldwork. Reports will be reviewed for completeness and sufficiency according to Chapter 1A-46, Florida Administrative Code. Artifact collections must conform to BAR Collections standards (PDF below), and Florida Master Site File site forms and survey logs must be complete.
DHR only grants extensions under extenuating circumstances. The permittee may not conduct further fieldwork for the next phase of the project until all outstanding deliverables are submitted to DHR. Permit holders who request a second extension must demonstrate progress towards completion in an interim report submitted to DHR.
- Report Requirements (PDF)
- Florida Master Site File Requirements (PDF)
- BAR Collections Requirements (PDF)
- BAR Conservation Requirements (PDF)
Permit Application
Permit requests must include a completed permit application form, a GIS shapefile of the project area (preferred) or a detailed map, a concise research design, resumes of the Principal Investigator and Field Director, and demonstration that all other required permits and permissions have been obtained. The main goal of requiring a permit for archaeological projects on state lands is to limit research to responsible professionals. Additionally, we review each permit application to make sure the proposed work is necessary, well-planned, and feasible. Strong permit applications have clear, well-reasoned objectives and methods designed to address the goals of the project. Unless the project is compliance-driven, research permit applications without a research question will not be considered. Archaeological work on state lands shall not be conducted solely for educational purposes.
Download the 1A-32 Permit Application (PDF). The fillable PDF is compatible with the free Adobe Reader software as well as the free Adobe Reader App for mobile devices and tablets.
Submit your application by e-mail to Brandon.Ackermann@dos.myflorida.com. If you have any questions about the process, call Brandon at 850.245.6334.
We will respond to your request within 15 days, but please understand that the entire permit process may take longer. Submit applications well in advance of projects in case we request additional information or your permit is denied. A 1A-32 permit must always be obtained before the first day of field work, and permit holders must bring the document with them to the field.
