30215032, 68B-44.004 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 30215032

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

SHARKS AND RAYS

Overview

RULE:

68B-44.004

Bag and Vessel Limits Applicable to Florida Waters; Restrictions on Possession of Prohibited Species; Transit Through Florida Waters

PURPOSE:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is considering classifying Carolina hammerhead as a prohibited species in state waters. Carolina hammerhead is a recently discovered species of large coastal hammerhead that is visually indistinguishable from scalloped hammerhead. All other species of large coastal hammerhead, including scalloped hammerhead, were added to the Prohibited Species List in 2012 due to their vulnerability to fishing pressure and the presence of nursery grounds in state waters. 

The purpose of these rule changes is to add Carolina hammerhead to Florida’s list of prohibited shark species in response to the discovery and description of the species.

The effect of the rule amendment is to prohibit the harvest, possession, or harm of Carolina hammerhead or any part thereof in Florida state waters.

SUMMARY:

This rule amendment would add Carolina hammerhead to Florida’s Prohibited Species List, which would prohibit the harvest, possession, or harm of Carolina hammerhead or any part thereof in Florida state waters.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

11/12/2025 Vol. 51/220

COMMENTS:

From 11/12/2025 To 12/3/2025 (21 Days)

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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