Last year, during the Palmetto Berry fruiting season (July 1-Nov. 1), 101 people were arrested, and more than 31,000 pounds of the fruit were confiscated, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office. In the first month of this year's season, nearly a dozen accused thieves have been arrested.
"It's because there's money to be made. Most of the people that are picking the berries for the most part are lower income, and they're doing it to supplement their income," said Sgt. Dave Estes, of the Collier County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Division.
The Sheriff's Office told NBC2 that the berries, either blue or black in color, were stolen due to their high price on the black market and potential health benefits, which include libido and prostate care.
"Yesterday, the price of Palmetto Berries on the street was $1.40 a pound. So, they go out and they pick up a bag of berries, and if that bag weighs 200 pounds, well, then you do the math," Estes said.
Local wild areas, like the Naples Preserve along US-41, have put up signs to prevent thefts after being hit in previous years.
"People know it's illegal because they'll park someplace else, walk down the street and sneak in here.," said Becky Speer, at the Naples Preserve.
Wildlife experts also warn that Palmetto Berry thefts negatively impact the environment, ecosystem, and fauna, as many animals rely on the fruit for food.
"It would be important for our gopher tortoises, our box turtles. We have gray fox in here. The coyote come in here. Raccoons, possums. They're dependent on this, especially since we're in the middle of the city. They can't wander miles and miles and miles to look for food," Speer said.
Starting on July 1 of this year, new regulations were created in the state to crack down on the thefts. In order to pick the berries legally, you need:
- A permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture
- Written permission from the landowner
If those rules aren't followed, or you purchase illegally harvested berries, you could face a felony charge.