Peace River (Florida Fossil Permit waters)
Arcadia, Florida
fossil shark teethmegalodon teethmammoth and mastodon teethhorse and camel teethdugong ribfossil boneagatized coral
State-designated locality · Free with permit
Peace River (Florida Fossil Permit waters)
Florida runs one of the most collector-friendly fossil laws in the country: a $5 annual permit from the Florida Museum lets you collect vertebrate fossils from state lands, including public beaches and rivers outside managed areas, and the Peace River is where amateurs use it most. Shark and ray teeth, invertebrates and plant fossils are exempt from the permit entirely. Permit holders report vertebrate finds, the museum requests only about one percent, and anything unclaimed after 60 days is legally yours. Fossils on private property belong to the landowner and county land is at the county's discretion — so stay in the river channel and off the private banks.
The card catalog
| What you can find | fossil shark teeth, megalodon teeth, mammoth and mastodon teeth, horse and camel teeth, dugong rib, fossil bone, agatized coral |
|---|---|
| Access | State-designated locality — Free with permit |
| Fees | $5 per year for the Florida Fossil Permit from the Florida Museum of Natural History. Shark and ray teeth, invertebrate and plant fossils may be collected and kept by anyone, with or without a permit. Individual launches and county parks may charge small access fees. |
| Season & hours | The practical season is the dry period, roughly December through May, when the river drops low enough to wade and screen gravel; summer levels usually make it unworkable. |
| Kids | Family-friendly — Wading and screening gravel is excellent for kids around 8 and up, but current, water depth and alligators all mean constant adult eyes and life vests for weak swimmers. |
| Official source | Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Venice, FL
fossil shark teeth, megalodon teeth, ray teeth
Before you go
What does Peace River (Florida Fossil Permit waters) cost?
$5 per year for the Florida Fossil Permit from the Florida Museum of Natural History. Shark and ray teeth, invertebrate and plant fossils may be collected and kept by anyone, with or without a permit. Individual launches and county parks may charge small access fees. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Peace River (Florida Fossil Permit waters) open?
The practical season is the dry period, roughly December through May, when the river drops low enough to wade and screen gravel; summer levels usually make it unworkable. Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Peace River (Florida Fossil Permit waters) good for kids?
Yes — Peace River (Florida Fossil Permit waters) works for families. Wading and screening gravel is excellent for kids around 8 and up, but current, water depth and alligators all mean constant adult eyes and life vests for weak swimmers.