Bureau of Compliance Monitoring
Feed Section
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The Feed Section is responsible for the enforcement and administration of the Florida Commercial Feed Law, Chapter 580, Florida Statutes and Chapter 5E-3, Florida Administrative Code. A distributor of commercial feed must obtain a master registration and place on file in the Feed Section of the Bureau of Compliance Monitoring, a copy of, or a label for each brand of feed to be distributed in Florida.
The Application for Feed Master Registration is available here (DACS-13244) (pdf) - or may be obtained by contacting the Feed Section at (850) 488-7626. The form must be completed and mailed to the Feed Section accompanied by a fee based on the tons of feed distributed in Florida during the previous year. If a distributor has been in business less than one year, the tonnage shall be estimated for the first year and based on actual tonnage thereafter. All registrations expire on June 30th of each year and must be renewed annually.
Certified Laboratories - The department has developed standards and established certification in the following five categories: (1) nutrient; (2) mycotoxins; (3) microbiological organisms; (4) pesticide residues and; (5) drug residues. Any laboratory may apply for certification in one or more of these five areas. The cost to apply for certification is $300 per category, and a $100 application fee. Certified laboratories must participate in a quarterly check-sample program administered by the department to ensure the tests continue to be performed properly. Click here for a list of certified laboratories.
Sampling Requirements - The Department has developed a testing matrix to summarize the type and frequency of sample analysis requirements for mixed feeds (pdf) and feed ingredients (pdf) that must be completed by the registrant during each fiscal year (July-June). Samples are shipped to certified laboratories and the analyses are paid for by the registrant in lieu of tonnage inspection fees. Feed samples must be accompanied by the specific sample collection report for the category to be tested. The analyses must be performed before June 1st and the results of these analyses must be submitted directly to the Department by the certified laboratories.
Label Requirements - The Department has adopted language from the Association of American Feed Control Officials Model Feed Regulation regarding guaranteed analysis and labeling requirements.
Certified Laboratories - The Department has developed standards and established certification in the following five categories: (1) nutrients; (2) mycotoxins; (3) microbiological organisms; (4) pesticide residues and; (5) drugs. Any laboratory seeking certification by the Department in any of the testing categories may apply by completing and returning the Application for Certification as a Certified Feed Laboratory (DACS-13401) (pdf) with a $100 application fee and a $300 fee for each category requested. Certified laboratories may be required to participate in a quarterly check-sample program administered by the Department to ensure that testing continues to be performed properly. Click here for a list of certified laboratories.
Commercial Feed Technical Council - The Commercial Feed Technical Council was created to consider and study all issues involving commercial feed in the state of Florida, and to review and make recommendations to the Department on related matters. The Council is composed of 13 members representing various interests of the feed industry. Members are appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
Contact: Alec Fabus (fabusa@doacs.state.fl.us)
