Permitting a phosphate mine in Florida is a long and complex process—and one that is often misunderstood. One common misperception is that permits are obtained by simply filling out and submitting a form. The process is far more involved than that. Years of data are collected on a site before an application is ever submitted. Once the application is finally presented, it takes an average of five to seven years to move through the entire permitting cycle. 

Mosaic’s phosphate business is among the most highly regulated companies in a state with some of the most stringent regulations in the nation. In addition to county guidelines, phosphate mining also is regulated at the state and federal levels and requires permits and review from agencies at each layer of government. It’s our responsibility to develop a comprehensive project plan that accounts for differing regulations and priorities at each of these levels.