Indian artifact collecting is a hobby enjoyed by thousands of people and it goes a long way in helping to preserve artifacts from history that might never be found otherwise. It is illegal to dig for artifacts without a landowner's permission, or on state-owned and controlled lands or submerged lands. The Florida Division of Historical Resources, Bureau of Archaeological Research does have the ability to grant permission to conduct archaeological investigations: but it is seldom done except for professionals. To obtain an archaeological research permit, you or someone in your organization must have professional archaeological expertise that meets the ""Qualifications for Recognition as a Professional Archaeologist' of the Register of Professional Archaeologists. In spite of all this, you can use the accompanying copies of a Florida Site File form and use it to your advantage; even if only providing a history of and improving the value of a collection.