Revised 4/9/12
Information is included on this page for proposed rules that are currently open for public comment as well as for issues or areas for which the FWC is actively considering the need to develop a rule. Follow this link for general information on manatee protection rules and how the rules are established.
Proposed Rules Currently Open for Public Comment
Comments on proposed rules must be in writing and should be emailed or mailed to the agency representative whose name and address are listed in the Notice of Proposed Rule. No special form is required; a typed or handwritten letter is sufficient. Comments must be received by the agency within 21 days after the publication of the Notice of Proposed Rule, or on or before the date of the final public hearing, whichever is later. Notices of Proposed Rule can also be viewed online at the Department of State's site for the Florida Administrative Weekly (FAW).
Flagler County (68C-22.028, FAC)
A Notice of Proposed Rule was published in the FAW on 2/3/12. Information on the public hearings that will be held is provided below as well as in the rule notice. The final public hearing is scheduled to occur at the May 2012 FWC meeting. The rule notice contains information on how to submit written comments on the proposed rule. Comments may also be submitted by e-mail to ManateeRuleComments@MyFWC.com (please reference Flagler County in the subject line).
FWC staff began looking at data and information regarding this area in 2009. At the request of the FWC, the Flagler County Commission appointed a Local Rule Review Committee (LRRC) in May 2010 to consider and provide comment on a potential new rule. The LRRC met seven times between May and July 2010 before submitting its report to the FWC. FWC staff prepared a written response to the LRRC report in September 2010. The FWC Commissioners considered staff recommendations on this issue at the June 2011 meeting and directed staff to continue working with Flagler County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a draft rule. At the November 2011 FWC meeting, the FWC Commissioners accepted revised staff recommendations and directed staff to move forward with the proposed rule.
Upcoming Public Meetings and Workshops
Commission meetings and agendas
Public hearings on proposed rule for Flagler County (68C-22.028, FAC)
February 29, 2012 (6:00 PM)
Flagler County Board Chambers
1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 2
Bunnell, FL 32110
May 2-3, 2012 (THESE ARE REVISED DATES)
Plantation Golf Resort and Spa
9301 West Fort Island Trail
Crystal River, FL 34429
The first hearing will be conducted by FWC staff. The second hearing will be the final public hearing and will be conducted during the regular 2-day Commission meeting. This hearing is currently scheduled to occur at the May 2012 meeting. If the final hearing will not occur at this meeting, updated information will be posted as soon as it is available. The Commission’s agenda for the meeting will indicate the specific day when the item is scheduled to be addressed.
Issues and Areas Currently Being Considered for Rule Making
See the FWC Manatee Management Plan (2MB) 
(Chapter 7) for more information on how the FWC chooses and prioritizes issues and areas to be reviewed. There is no formal comment period associated with this stage of rule development.
Collier County (68C-22.023, FAC)
FWC staff began looking at data and information regarding this existing rule in 2010. Staff is currently evaluating information to determine whether rule changes may be warranted.
Western Pinellas County (68C-22.016, FAC)
FWC staff began looking at data and information regarding this area in 2010. Staff is currently evaluating information to determine whether zones may be warranted in this area. This review does not include the eastern portion of Pinellas County, which was included in a 2003-04 review of the Tampa Bay area.
Permits Issued to Commercial Fishers and Professional Fishing Guides (68C-22.003, FAC)
FWC staff began looking at this issue in 2008. Information was provided to stakeholders, county commissions, and current permit holders in September 2009 and FWC staff conducted four public meetings in October. At the December 2009 FWC meeting, the FWC Commissioners accepted staff recommendations to postpone consideration of potential changes until economic conditions improve. Information from the December 2009 meeting is provided below.
Recently Approved Rules
FWC manatee protection zones do not supersede more restrictive zones established for other purposes and/or by other levels of government. In cases where multiple regulations have been established for the same area, the most restrictive regulation is the one that applies and is posted.
Broward County manatee protection rule (68C-22.010, FAC): Amendments to this rule were approved by the FWC Commissioners on September 7, 2011 and adopted on October 25, 2011. Changes to the existing zones will become effective on the water as soon as revised regulatory markers are installed.
Sarasota County manatee protection rule (68C-22.026, FAC): Amendments to this rule were approved by the FWC Commissioners on April 28, 2010, and adopted on June 4, 2010. Posting of revised regulatory markers was completed in July 2011.
Persons with Disabilities