FOSSIL IDENTIFICATION

GEOLOGICAL TIMELINE

Collecting and Identification
Hardly a roadcut or realignment of a ditch is made in
Florida without some fossil being turned up. Many of the
fossils are common enough and well known, but many more
need identification by a qualified and experienced person
in order that a specimen of scientific importance may not be
lost or set aside as a "curio" to gather dust in a forgotten
Corner of some private dwelling. Therefore any fossil of any scientific importance be reported to the Florida Museum Of Natural History in Gainesville,Vertebrate Paleontology Dept.. It is most important that all material collected, if it
is to have any scientific importance, should have accurate
locality data accompanying it so that adequate comparisons
with faunas of a similar age can be undertaken. Attention to
inquiries and general correspondence is an important part of
the duties of the paleontologist, and affords a means through
which the Survey may, in many ways, be of service to the
citizens of the State

Florida Statute              sets forth the State of Florida's declared intent to protect and preserve vertebrate fossils and vertebrate paleontology sites. All vertebrate fossils found on lands owned or leased by the state belong to the state with title to the fossils vested in the Florida Museum of Natural History for the purposes of administration. Field collection of vertebrate fossils may be conducted under the authority of a permit issued by the Program of Vertebrate Paleontology in accordance with FS §                   and the University of Florida RULE 6C1-7.541 F.A.C. The purpose of the fossil collecting permit is not only to manage this non-renewable part of Florida's heritage, but to help paleontologists learn more about the range and distribution of the state's fossil animals.For further info and permit application please                    .However no permit is required when you go on a Back In Time Expedition,we have a group permit that will cover you.

FOSSIL PERMITS

( click here )

PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTIONS
       OF FLORIDA FOSSILS

IDENTIFICATION 
   GUIDE & INFO