University Returns Ancient Native Remains to Florida Tribes After Inventory Check
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of South Florida’s Anthropology Department finished checking old human remains found in Pinellas County, FL, and confirmed they belong to Native American tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes for proper care. This process respects Native American heritage and follows important laws, with no costs mentioned for anyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains Identified as Native American
Human remains representing at least one individual excavated from the Trenner Site (8PI2250) in Pinellas County, FL (excavated in 2009) have been identified as Native American ancestry. The University of South Florida’s inventory found a cultural affiliation with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.
Repatriation Eligible Starting January 20, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains described in this notice may occur on or after January 20, 2026. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Thomas J. Pluckhahn, Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, SOC 107, Tampa, FL 33620-8100, email [email protected]; requests may be made by the tribes named in the notice or by lineal descendants or other tribes who show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. Joint requests are treated as a single request; if competing requests are received, the Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida will determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23145, Proposed Information Collection Activity; Office of Refugee Resettlement Services for Survivors of Torture Program Data Points and Performance Progress Report
The Office of Refugee Resettlement wants to keep collecting info from groups helping survivors of torture to see how well their services work. They’re updating the forms to make reporting easier and clearer, and they want your thoughts by February 17, 2026. This helps make sure money and support reach the right people and programs stay on track.
Next: 2025-23147, Notice of Inventory Completion: Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, and Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL
The University of South Florida and Florida Department of State finished checking old human remains from important Florida archaeological sites. They found these remains belong to Native American tribes and plan to return them starting January 20, 2026. This means tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors respectfully, with no costs or risks involved.