29898133, 68B-24.0065 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 29898133

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

SPINY LOBSTER (CRAWFISH) AND SLIPPER LOBSTER

Overview

RULE:

68B-24.0065

Special Provisions for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Monroe County: Closure During Two-day Sport Season; Closure of Coral Formation Protection Zones

PURPOSE:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is modifying the boundary coordinates for Coral Formation Protection Zones (CPZs) of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to resolve inconsistencies between the CPZ boundary coordinates described in 68B-24.0065, F.A.C., and the boundaries of CPZs that are currently marked by buoys on the water. Surveys by FWC and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection additionally revealed neither the CPZs described in rule nor the CPZs currently marked on the water adequately encompass the coral habitat which they intend to protect.

The purpose of these rule changes is to resolve the discrepancies between the CPZ boundary coordinates currently listed in the F.A.C. and the boundaries marked on the water and to maintain protection of coral habitat.

The effect of the rule amendments for the CPZs in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is to modify the boundaries of CPZs, thereby increasing the proportion of coral habitat within the State Park being protected by the CPZs, consolidating the total number of CPZs from ten to seven, and increasing the total area of non-coral habitat open to lobster harvest.

SUMMARY:

These rule amendments modify the boundary coordinates of CPZs in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and reduce the number of CPZs from ten to seven.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

8/19/2025 Vol. 51/161

COMMENTS:

From 8/19/2025 To 9/9/2025 (21 Days)

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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