29350956, 68B-8.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 29350956

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

MARINE SPECIAL ACTIVITY LICENSE PROGRAM

Overview

RULE:

68B-8.001	Purpose and Intent
68B-8.002	Definitions
68B-8.003	General Conditions and Restrictions
68B-8.004	Application Review Process and Evaluation Criteria (Repealed)
68B-8.005	Third Party Contractors
68B-8.006	Scientific Research Special Activity License
68B-8.007	Education/Exhibition Special Activity License
68B-8.008	Florida Marine Science Educators Association Certification
68B-8.009	Prohibited Species Collection Criteria
68B-8.010	Stock Collection and Release Special Activity License
68B-8.011	Aquaculture Broodstock Collection Special Activity License
68B-8.012	Snook Special Activity License
68B-8.013	Non-Conforming Gear Special Activity Licenses and Exemptions
68B-8.014	Marine Chemical Special Activity License
68B-8.015	Dredge Special Activity License (Repealed)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rulemaking is to improve the operation of the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program, update and modernize rule language, extend license periods, meet evolving program needs, and support the restoration and recovery of coral, oyster, seagrass, and other resources. The effect of these changes would be to reduce administrative burdens on applicants and licensees, provide additional information to increase transparency for applicants, implement changes to meet evolving program needs, and expand the types of activities that may be authorized through the SAL program.

SUMMARY:

These proposed rule amendments would update Special Activity License (SAL) eligibility requirements, license periods, and license conditions; remove outdated and unnecessary language; update the SAL program administration process; remove the limit on the number of authorized personnel listed on an SAL; streamline the FWC Law Enforcement notification process for licensees; specify which SAL types allow the use of third party contractors; update and create new definitions to correspond to proposed rule changes; repeal the Dredge SAL; and update the Aquaculture Broodstock Collection and Stock Collection and Release SALs. Updates to the ABC SAL include extending the valid license period to two years and expanding eligibility requirements to include certified marine plant producers to accommodate the collection of rooted marine plants as broodstock for aquaculture research, restoration, or commercial aquaculture. Updates to the SCR SAL include expanding eligibility requirements to ensure applicants have appropriate experience and veterinary support necessary to complete requested activities related to the relocation, production, outplanting, or rehabilitation of marine organisms, and to establish license conditions that will ensure these activities are conducted in a manner that preserves the health and genetic diversity of wild populations and will provide for emergency response activities.

The Marine SAL program issues licenses to accommodate activities requiring exemptions to state marine fisheries regulations, such as scientific research, education, exhibition, the release of marine organisms, collection of broodstock for aquaculture, and testing innovative fishing gear. SAL program rules, which were last updated 15 years ago, include language that is now outdated or unnecessary. Additionally, the rules need to be updated to address a recent expansion in the types of activities requested by practitioners and that are necessary to respond to various environmental events, such as coral disease outbreaks and outplanting of corals for restoration and to accommodate current or new practices. The proposed rules would provide general updates and clarifications to improve the licensing process, accommodate additional requested activities, update license provisions, and provide additional transparency for SAL applicants.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

3/10/2025 Vol. 51/47

COMMENTS:

From 3/10/2025 To 3/31/2025 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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