Just so we are clear and concise on information about the State Of Florida laws on metal detecting and lease site laws...
First lets address Pulltab Felix's opinion about metal detecting in the water around lease sites... this is in fact not legal... and not because of the "leases".
Then... Lets share correct information about what and where metal detecting is and is not allowed... as to be correct when informing people on this site about metal detecting in Florida... as to properly guide and inform.
First... anyone planning on detecting in Florida should know this first and foremost...
It is against the law to recover anything in state waters more than 50 years old In Florida state waters which include all submerged bottom lands to include lakes, rivers and three miles out into the ocean on the East coast, nine miles out on the Gulf Coast, and twelve miles out from Key West.
Sovereign submerged lands are those natural or
historically submerged lands owned by the State
of Florida, either by right of statehood or by deed
or grants. They include tidal lands, islands, sandbars,
shallow banks, and lands water ward of the
ordinary or mean high water line, beneath navigable
fresh water or tidally influenced water.
http://www.mcatoolkit.org/pdf/Public...nds_Primer.pdf
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/...EChapter%20267
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/...n%2012#0253.12
http://www.flheritage.com/archaeolog...water/laws.cfm
Any person who by means of excavation either conducts archaeological field investigations on, or removes or attempts to remove, or defaces, destroys, or otherwise alters any archaeological site or specimen located upon, any land owned or controlled by the state or within the boundaries of a designated state archaeological landmark or landmark zone, except in the course of activities pursued under the authority of a permit or under procedures relating to accredited institutions granted by the division, commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, and any vehicle or equipment of any person used in connection with the violation is subject to forfeiture to the state if it is determined by any court of law that the vehicle or equipment was involved in the violation. Such person shall forfeit to the state all specimens, objects, and materials collected or excavated, together with all photographs and records relating to such material. The court may also order the defendant to make restitution to the state for the archaeological or commercial value and cost of restoration and repair as defined in subsection (4).
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/...13.HTM&Title=-