Identification: Peat is an accumulation of partly decomposed and disintegrated organic materials derived mainly from woody parts of plants, It varies in consistency from a fibrous, matted, turf-like material to a soft, plastic mud. Peat exhibits no distinctive physical or chemical properties by which it can be easily identified, other than its color and fibrous nature.

Occurrence: Peat occurs throughout the State wherever swamp, bog or lowland conditions exist. The most extensive deposits are in the Everglades, though peat has been recovered commercially in Putnam, Orange, Hillsborough, Polk, Bay and Broward counties.