30159451, 68B-8.002 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 30159451

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

MARINE SPECIAL ACTIVITY LICENSE PROGRAM

Overview

RULE:

68B-8.002	Definitions
68B-8.003	General Conditions and Restrictions
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-8.014	Marine Chemical Special Activity License

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this proposed rulemaking is to improve the operation of the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program, update and modernize rule language, meet evolving program needs, improve and streamline the licensing process, and provide greater transparency to applicants. The effect of these changes would be to reduce administrative burdens on applicants and license holders, provide additional information to increase transparency, implement changes to meet evolving program needs, and expand the types of activities that may be authorized through the SAL program.

SUMMARY:

This proposed rulemaking would improve the operation of the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program and would provide general updates and clarifications to improve and streamline the licensing process, update eligibility requirements, establish general license conditions and restrictions, clarify the definition of prohibited species, tailor conditions related to the transfer of marine organisms to each license type, make tagging regulations easier for the public to find by moving them from the SAL rule chapter (68B-8, F.A.C.) to the general marine fisheries rule chapter (68B-2, F.A.C.), revise the framework for the Florida Marine Science Educators Association Certification, and update provisions for several different SAL types. This proposed rulemaking would also provide additional transparency to applicants by providing additional details in the flow chart outlining the decision process for the genetic risk assessment of proposed release 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, and the collection of broodstock for aquaculture. The Commission is updating SAL program rules to address evolving program needs, improve program operation, better accommodate current and new practices, and provide greater transparency to applicants. This proposed rulemaking represents Phase II of a multi-phase project to update the rules for the Marine SAL program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

10/29/2025 Vol. 51/211

COMMENTS:

From 10/29/2025 To 11/19/2025 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Ref-18889 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Policy on the Release of Marine Organisms, November 2025
Ref-18890 Scientific Research SAL application form (Form DMF-SRSAL November 2025)
Ref-18891 Education/Exhibition SAL application form (Form DMF-ESAL (November 2025))
Ref-18892 Stock Collection and Release SAL application form (Form DMF-SCRSAL (November 2025)
Ref-18893 Stock Collection and Release for Relocation Activities SAL application form (Form DMF-SCRRSAL (November 2025))
Ref-18894 Decision Process for the Genetic Risk Assessment of Release Activities
Ref-18895 Stock Collection and Release SAL for Outplanting Activities application form (Form DMF-SCROSAL (November 2025))
Ref-18896 Decision Process for the Genetic Risk Assessment of Release Activities
Ref-18897 Aquaculture Broodstock Collection SAL application form (Form DMF-ABCSAL (November 2025)
Ref-18898 Snook SAL application (Form DMF-SSAL (November 2025))

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