Your Complete Guide To Florida’s Pet Food Sampling & Testing Requirements

Every September, inboxes across the pet food industry light up with the same subject line: “REMINDER: Florida Feed Sample Deadline.”

It’s the state’s gentle way of saying: “If you sell feed or pet food in Florida, your compliance samples are due.”

But year after year, brand owners are caught off guard. They think they’re in the clear after renewing their license and reporting tonnage — until they realize sample submission is a separate requirement tied to that same registration period.

If you’ve ever been confused about what Florida expects (and when), you’re not alone. Between quarterly tonnage reports, sample submissions, and certified lab testing, it can feel like alphabet soup.

Today, we’ll break down what Florida’s sample requirements really mean, the most common mistakes we see, and what you can do to stay compliant — without losing an entire week to the LIMS portal.

Florida’s Sampling Period + Key Deadlines

You probably received an email in which FDACS reminded companies that the sampling period runs concurrently with the registration period. This means your sampling requirements reset each year along with your feed registration.

“Samples of commercial feed and feedstuffs shall be submitted quarterly, to laboratories certified by the Department, corresponding to the tonnage reported… Section 5E-3.003(4), F.A.C., requires a minimum of one sample to be submitted by the end of the first quarter of each year—September 30, 2025.”

Here’s what that means in practice:

• If you’re registered in Florida, you must submit at least one compliance sample by September 30 each year.
• The total number of samples required corresponds to your reported tonnage of mixed feed or feed ingredients.
• All samples for the 2025–2026 registration year must be received by June 30, 2026.

Failure to submit the required samples is a violation of Florida law. Missing one quarter puts you out of compliance. Missing two consecutive years triggers a $250 administrative fine under Rule 5E-3.018(3)(a)(1), F.A.C. And ongoing failure to comply can lead to suspension of your Feed Master Registration under Section 580.112 (3) & (13), F.S.

The state also clarified that samples must be logged online through the Feed Regulatory website (lims.flaes.org) before being shipped to a certified lab. Samples not entered in the system will no longer be accepted.

What You’re Required To Test

FDACS outlines specific laboratory analyses that must be performed each year, depending on your product type.

For mixed feed products, testing must include:

• Protein, fat, and fiber
  
• Minerals, if guaranteed on the label
• Aflatoxin and vomitoxin
  
• Fumonisin (for horse feeds)

For unmixed feed ingredients, analysis must include mycotoxin testing appropriate to the ingredient type and level of distribution.

These tests ensure your label guarantees are accurate and your products are free of contaminants that could harm animals or lead to product recalls.

If you’re not sure which category your product falls under or what analytes are required, we can help review your products and determine exactly what testing is necessary. Learn more about our compliance services here.

How To Log + Submit Samples The Right Way

Submitting samples through FDACS’s online system (the LIMS portal) can feel intimidating, but once you know the steps, it’s straightforward.

Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Log in to lims.flaes.org.
   First-time users will need to reset their password and create a security question.
2. Click “Compliance Sample Login.”
   You’ll see two tables: one for mixed feeds and one for feed ingredients, showing how many samples you owe based on tonnage.
3. Enter your sample information.
   Include the:
   

   • Lab name and number (auto-fills when you select a certified lab)
   • Tons represented by the batch
   • Collection and submission dates
   • Product name (exactly as it appears on your registration)
   • Sampling method and location (e.g., “plant” or “warehouse”)
   • Analytes and contaminants to test (protein, fat, fiber, mycotoxins, etc.)

4. Certify and submit.
   Click “I Certify,” then “Submit Compliance Sample.” Wait for the confirmation number before closing the page.
5. Print and ship your form and sample.
   Print your submission report and include it with your physical sample. Then send it to one of the FDACS-certified laboratories listed below.

💡 Tip: You can use the “Compliance Sample Calculator” inside the LIMS portal to estimate how many samples you owe based on your tonnage reports for the year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).

Where To Send Your Samples

Florida only accepts testing from FDACS-certified laboratories. As of 2025, the following labs are approved:

• Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratories – New Orleans, LA
  Certified for: Drugs and Mycotoxins
  eurofinsus.com
  
• Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Des Moines, Inc. – Des Moines, IA
  Certified for: Nutrients and Mycotoxins
• Midwest Laboratories – Omaha, NE
  Certified for: Nutrients and Mycotoxins
  midwestlabs.com
  
• NP Analytical Laboratories – St. Louis, MO
  Certified for: Nutrients and Mycotoxins
  npal.com
  
• Trilogy Analytical Laboratory – Washington, MO
  Certified for: Nutrients and Mycotoxins
  trilogylab.com

Be sure to list the correct lab on your online submission form. Samples sent to unlisted or uncertified labs won’t count toward compliance. And if you need an intro to a lab, just message us!

Common Questions (and Missteps) About Florida Samples

1. I sell mostly treats. Do I need to send samples?

Maybe not. FDACS has confirmed that treats and milk products are exempt from sample requirements. But if your product has feed-like claims or nutritional guarantees, it might still qualify.

2. Can I skip a quarter if I’m a low-volume seller?

No. Sampling is required for every registrant with reported tonnage, regardless of volume.

3. Can FDACS staff enter my samples for me?

No. Only registered users can submit samples. FDACS cannot enter them on your behalf.

4. Can I use my own lab?

No. Only department-certified labs may test regulatory feed samples.

5. What happens if I miss the deadline?

Failure to submit a sample by September 30 may result in fines or delayed registration renewals. Two consecutive years of noncompliance trigger a $250 fine and possible registration suspension.

If you’re unsure whether your product is exempt or how many samples you owe, we can help you figure it out before the deadline. Book a free 15-minute consultation here.

How To Make Compliance Less Complicated

Florida’s feed regulations are clear but complex, and staying compliant takes organization. The good news? A few simple habits can make the process feel a lot more manageable.

Start early—don’t wait until the end of the first quarter to begin collecting and submitting your samples. Labs and regulators are at their busiest in September, and early submissions are processed faster and with fewer errors. Before you log in to the LIMS portal, double-check your product categories. Misclassifying a product in your tonnage reports can change how many samples you owe, which is an easy but costly mistake.

It’s also smart to track everything in one place. A simple compliance calendar can help you stay on top of sample deadlines, tonnage reports, and renewal dates so nothing slips through the cracks. Inside the LIMS portal, you’ll find Florida’s built-in sample calculator—a quick way to estimate how many samples you need based on your tonnage for the year.

And finally, remember that you don’t have to do it all yourself. For many pet food companies, outsourcing compliance is the simplest way to save time and avoid errors. We can manage your renewals, tonnage reports, and sample submissions across all 50 states—so you can stay focused on your products, your customers, and your growth.