In 2008, Seafarer received a recovery permit from the State of Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research. This permit expired in August 2008. Seafarer then attempted to renew their recovery permit. However, the Bureau Chief had undisclosed plans to prevent Seafarer from obtaining their recovery permit renewal. After lengthy delays and tremendous expense, Seafarer was able to depose the then Bureau Chief and other State employees in November 2010. While under oath, the Bureau Chief admitted to wrongdoing toward Seafarer and ultimately their shareholders, by admitting to fabricating and hiding documents, lying to Seafarer, libeling Seafarer and other nefarious acts in order to stop Seafarer from receiving their lawful recovery permit renewal. Fortunately for Seafarer and its shareholders, the then State of Florida Attorney General became involved and came to know about the actions that had occurred. As a result, Governor Charlie Crist contacted Seafarer and a settlement was immediately reached. On April 25th, 2011, Seafarer received a 1A-31 Recovery Permit for a three-year duration.