Proposed Rule Changes

About the rulemaking process

The FWC is responsible for managing Florida's fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.  This often involves enacting and enforcing rules and regulations governing human activity in many areas - such as hunting and fishing, operating boats, possessing captive wildlife and dealing with nuisance animals. 

Because rules are made, changed and repealed throughout the year, agency staff frequently interacts with affected individuals and the general public.  Details on specific areas of interest are available by following one of the links on the left.

The FWC abides by Ch. 120, Florida Statutes, when making rules.  In doing so, we notify the public of rulemaking activity through the Florida Administrative Weekly.  Rulemaking often includes direct contact with those who may be affected, extensive discussions with stakeholder groups, and public meetings to gather input from interested parties. 

Final decisions on rules usually happen at Commission meetings, held 5 times a year in locations throughout the state.  We also provide public notice of various meetings through our Web site calendar. 

We offer the information below to help interested parties stay abreast of ongoing rulemaking.

Current rulemaking activity

The Division of Law Enforcement has drafted a Captive Wildlife survey to receive public input on four major subjects regarding potential rule changes:

• County approval for captive wildlife facilities;
• Labeling requirements of live wild animal shipments;
• Providing the Captive Wildlife Critical Incident/Disaster Plan Part B to the county emergency manager; and
• Exempting hobbyists from having to demonstrate sustained commercial activity.

Please click Rule Development 2010 Survey and provide your valuable insight before Dec. 7.

In the table below, the following terms are used to describe a rule's status (3rd column):

Rule Development:  The rule is in the early stages of development and may or may not have specific language available for review by the public.
Proposed Rule:  This represents a "draft" rule.  The language is provided for consideration and may be changed as a result of public input or direction of the Commission.
Final Rule:  This indicates that a final vote has occurred, and Commissioners have approved the exact language of a rule.