Florida is a sentinel state for exotic pest introductions due to its trade/travel patterns and its tropical to semi-tropical climate. In fact, over the last 10 years, the numbers of tourists, approximately 50 million annually, has increased by 20%. Additionally, perishable import shipments have tripled from 2 to 6 million tons. Despite these trade / travel patterns, funding for efforts by federal and state regulatory agencies has not increased . According to FDACS-DPI database records, approximately 170 exotic arthropods have escaped detection and established in Florida since 1986. Some have the potential to become serious agricultural pests, such as the pink hibiscus mealybug, brown citrus aphid and Asian citrus psyllid. The first line of defense in protecting Florida's agricultural crops and native plant fauna is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. Past success stories with exotic invasive pests have involved pest detection first, then pest eradication, pest exclusion/quarantine, biological control, or other pest management approached are implemented, as appropriate. Previous pests that have been detected and eradicated include: Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental Fruit fly, black Parlatoria scale, and stellate scale. Current biological control programs involve the following: control of pink hibiscus mealybug, control of Melaleuca stands with a psyllid, red imported fire ant and cycad scale.