Florida Invasive Species Council – a non-profit 501(c)3
The Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) is dedicated to mitigating the impact of invasive species through science-driven management, information exchange, and statewide collaboration. We connect experts, land managers, and stakeholders to share knowledge, promote best practices, and enhance efforts to protect Florida’s natural ecosystems.
History
FISC was founded in 1984 as the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) and rebranded in 2019 to reflect its broader focus on all invasive taxa threatening Florida’s ecosystems. This change aligns with research identifying “exotic” and other terms as problematic in invasive species communication (Iannone et al., 2020).
To enhance collaboration, FISC merged with the Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) in 2022, uniting efforts to advance invasive species management statewide. Originally formed in 2008, FISP coordinated voluntary partnerships and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). Now operating as the Partnerships, Assistance, and Communications (FISC-PAC) committee within FISC, it continues to support cooperative management efforts across boundaries at all levels.
Timeline
1984- Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) forms
1992- First FLEPPC Annual Symposium
1996- First “CISMA” forms in the Florida Keys as the Keys Invasive Exotic Species Task Force
2001- Gov Jeb Bush creates the Invasive Species Working Group, primarily for public lands
2006- Private Lands Incentive Sub-working group forms
2008- Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) forms from public and private working groups
2016- Big Scrub CISMA forms, resulting in full statewide coverage of CISMAs
2020- FLEPPC becomes the Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC)
2022- FISP and FISC merge
Vision
The vision of the Florida Invasive Species Council is to be a leading resource and partner for advancing invasive plant management in Florida.
Mission
The mission of the Florida Invasive Species Council is to reduce the impacts of invasive plants in Florida through the exchange of scientific, educational, and technical information.