What is Florida First Detector?

Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. We offer in-person and virtual classes. The Florida First Detector website also provides scripted presentations for educators and on-demand CEU opportunities for licensed professionals.

Our program is a cooperative effort between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), the University of Florida, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program (CAPS), the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), Protect U.S. and the Sentinel Plant Network (SPN).

What is our First Friday Webinar Series?

On the first Friday of every month, we will have a one-hour webinar on a topic related to invasive species in Florida. An invasive species is a non-native species causing harm like economic losses, environmental damage or human/animal health hazards. The webinars are open to everyone and applicable to professionals and residents alike!

At each session, we will cover a different topic. We will be training you to be a First Detector, to help spot species that have not yet been introduced to Florida. We may also cover some species that are already causing issues in Florida and talk about current management strategies and methods to stop the spread. This series began in September of 2022 and will continue to at least August 2027. Thanks to everyone for continuing to support this program!

What is the schedule for September 2026-2027?

We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2026-Aug 2027*. Sign up for one, two, more, or all of them!

September 4, 2026, Florida First Detector: Invasive Species in Florida
October 2, 2026, Resources for Identification of Pest Problems
November 6, 2026, Invasive Fruit Flies
December 4, 2026, Invasive Stink bugs and Related Hemipterans
January 8, 2027, Invasive Caterpillars on Vegetables Crops *Rescheduled to January 8th due to NYD holiday
February 5, 2027, Invasive Scale Insects
March 5, 2027, Invasive Pests on Citrus
April 2, 2027, Invasive Wood Boring Insects
May 7, 2027, Invasive Bark Beetles
June 4, 2027, Invasive Snails and Other Gastropods
July 2, 2027, Invasive Pests and Pathogens on Oak
Aug 6, 2027, Invasive Species on Palms

*Schedule subject to change in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

What is the cost?

All of our First Friday Webinars are FREE! Yes, you heard that right. This is an amazing opportunity to learn and earn CEUs for free of charge.

What CEUs are available?

Continuing education units (CEUs) are also available for attendance for individuals that already have obtained their FDACS pesticide applicator license. Participants are also able to receive 1 CEU for FNGLA certified professionals and FL Water Star accredited professionals per webinar. To receive CEU credit, you must attend the full duration of the class and participate. Attendance will be verified. For CEU credit, each person needs to attend using their own electronic device.

All webinars have been approved for 1 CEU in the following FDACS Pesticide CEUs categories:

Ag row crop
Ag tree crop
Demonstration and research
Forest pest control
Limited commercial landscape maintenance (LCLM)
Limited lawn and ornamental (LLO)
Natural areas weed management
Ornamental and turf
Pest control operator (PCO) lawn and ornamental
Private ag
Right of way

CEUs available at select classes:

Aquatic* available ONLY on Sept. 4, 2026, Oct. 2, 2026 and June 4, 2026
General Household Pest Control* available ONLY on Sept. 4, 2026, Oct. 2, 2026
Limited Structural* available ONLY on Sept. 4, 2026, Oct. 2, 2026, Apr. 2, 2027, May 7, 2027, and July 2, 2027
Wood Treatment* available ONLY on Sept. 4, 2026, Oct. 2, 2026, Apr. 2, 2027, May 7, 2027, and July 2, 2027

Questions?

Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu

Or

Visit the Florida First Detector Website

The post First Fridays with Florida First Detector, Schedule available Sept 2026-2027! appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.

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