12976968, 68B-20.003 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 12976968

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

SPEARING: BOW HUNTING, GIGGING, AND SPEARFISHING

Overview

RULE:

68B-20.003

Spearing, Statewide Regulation; Prohibition Against Powerheads, Bangsticks, and Rebreathers; Repeal of Certain Special Acts

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule amendment is to allow spearfishing in state waters off Collier County.  Spearfishing is currently prohibited in state waters off Collier County in accordance with Chapter 30665, Special Acts of Local Application: Collier County and by 68B-20, FAC, via reference to 379.2425, F.S.  In February, the FWC received a letter from the Collier County Board of Commissioners stating that the prohibition on spearfishing was antiquated and not in the public’s best interest and requesting that FWC repeal Chapter 30665, Special Acts of Local Application: Collier County, in order to allow spearfishing in the state waters off their county.  This rule amendment would repeal the prohibition on spearfishing in state waters off Collier County upon concurrent repeal of Chapter 30665.  

The effect of this rule amendment will to allow spearfishing in the state waters off Collier County.  As a result of this rule amendment, all current statewide regulations regarding spearing will apply in Collier County.  This rule amendment will also remove regulatory impediments for divers interested in using spears to remove non-native, invasive lionfish from the waters off Collier County.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68B-20 would be amended to explicitly allow spearfishing in state waters off Collier County, allowing the existing statewide spearing regulations to apply in those waters.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/8/2013 Vol. 39/90

COMMENTS:

From 5/8/2013 To 5/29/2013 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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