31257879, 68B-27.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 31257879

Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

OYSTERS

Overview

RULE:

68B-27.001	Additional Applicable Regulations
68B-27.002	Definitions
68B-27.003	Size Limit; Size Limit Tolerances
68B-27.004	Bag and Vessel Limits; Harvest and Possession Limits
68B-27.005	Seasons; Open and Closed Periods
68B-27.006	Allowable Gear; Prohibited Gear; Harvest Methods
68B-27.007	Sale and Purchase Requirements
68B-27.008	Open and Closed Areas
68B-27.009	License Requirements
68B-27.011	Commercial Oyster Harvest Monitoring

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announces a workshop to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME:

PLACE:

Subject:

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a public workshop to gather input on recommendations for proposed rules for the management of commercial and recreational oyster harvest in the Big Bend, Florida. This rulemaking will specifically pertain to oyster management in Dixie, Levy, and Citrus counties. Current regulations for this resource have not been updated since 1991, but since then, the oyster resource has declined and there have been recent declines in the fishery. FWC staff are seeking input on all wild oyster harvest regulations in this region, including: definitions; size limits and size limit tolerances; bag and vessel limits, harvest and possession limits; distribution of allowed harvest; seasons, open and closed periods; allowable gear, prohibited gear, harvest methods; sale and purchase requirements; open and closed areas; license requirements; oyster harvest monitoring; and other subjects encompassed by the above-cited rules.

During the in-person workshop, staff will deliver a presentation reviewing the history of the Big Bend oyster fishery, current regulations, developing restoration projects, and potential oyster management strategies to be implemented. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will be considered in developing rule recommendations for the Commission to consider in 2027.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Jessica McCawley, at 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850) 487-0554, or Jessica.McCawley@MyFWC.com.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

8/17/2026 Vol. 52/159

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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