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August 2026

Date: Aug 5, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM CDT (10:00 AM EDT)
Location:

Panama City Beach Conference Center at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort
520 Richard Jackson Blvd.
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Public comments will be accepted in person during the meeting.
This meeting is open to the public

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) is committed to providing an opportunity for public input at each Commission meeting. The Commission is offering the opportunity for stakeholders to provide their comments in advance, as well as in person. For in-person comments, please review the speaker registration guidelines at MyFWC.com/about/commission/. Advance comments were due no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the first day of the meeting. If you would like to provide comments via mail, please send them to the following address: 

FWC Commissioners 
620 South Meridian St. 
Tallahassee, FL 32399

To accommodate public input at meetings, the Chairman reserves the right to determine the amount of time given to agenda items and public comments. If you do not wish or are unable to speak at the meeting but would like to provide comments, you may do so using the online comment form or by contacting the Commissioners directly via email at commissioners@myfwc.com. 

 At the meeting, the Commission may take action on any agenda item presented, including staff reports. Agenda items may be re-ordered, moved to a different day, or rescheduled to a different meeting as determined by the Chairman. The meeting may include fact-finding field trips to learn about research, management and enforcement activities. 

 If any person decides to challenge any decision with respect to any matter considered at the meeting, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes testimony and evidence upon which the challenge is based. 

 Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify the agency at least 2 calendar days before the meeting by calling 850-488-6411 or contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (Voice), if you are hearing or speech impaired. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, or if you need more information, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at: FWC, Office of Human Resources, 620 S Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, 850-488-6411. Or write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Civil Rights, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.

9:00 a.m. CDT, Wednesday, August 5 - Amended

  1. Call to Order
    1. Call to Order
    2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  2. Administrative Matters
    1. Approve May 2026 Commission Meeting Minutes
    2. Approve Regular Meeting Agenda
    3. Approve Consent Agenda
      Details for all consent agenda items are listed at the end of this document. Any questions about a consent agenda item should be addressed to agency staff prior to the Commission meeting. Any item not approved as part of the consent agenda may be moved to the regular agenda or postponed at the discretion of the Chairman.
  3. Executive Director’s Report
  4. Implementation of the Florida Boater Freedom Act
    Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).
  5. Awards and Recognition
    1. 2026 Florida Python ChallengeTM

BREAK

  1. Staff Reports
    1. FWC’s Role in Land Use Planning. Staff will provide an update on FWC’s engagement and role in land use planning. Fish and wildlife benefit from both public and private lands and staff engage across the full spectrum of land ownership for effective conservation.  This presentation will highlight the work of the Land Use Planning Program and its role in assisting federal, state, and local governments, along with private landowners, with land use planning, surveys, and site design considerations to benefit fish and wildlife. This work supports Florida’s wildlife and implementation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor through species-specific commenting and recommendations for best practices and habitat enhancement on a wide variety of projects throughout the state.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).
      6A Summary Memo | 6A Presentation PDF | 6A Presentation PowerPoint
    2. Oysters. Staff will provide a report on the first season of Apalachicola Bay wild oyster harvest, which reopened on January 1, 2026, after being closed in 2020. Staff will also provide an overview of the Big Bend oyster fishery, plans for regulation updates, and upcoming restoration efforts for the region.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed). 
      6B Summary Memo | 6B Presentation PDF | 6B Presentation PowerPoint
    3. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Report. Staff will report on actions and discussions from the June 8-12 meeting. Expected topics will include headboat vessel limits, removing species from the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan, and other topics relevant to Florida. Staff will also provide an update on the Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) proposal to test state management of the recreational Atlantic red snapper fishery in adjacent federal waters. 
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).
      6C Summary Memo
    4. Gulf Council Report. Staff will report on actions and discussions from the June 1-3 meeting. Topics include greater amberjack, gag grouper, red snapper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and other issues relevant to Florida.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).
      6D Summary Memo | 6D Presentation PDF | 6D Presentation PowerPoint
    5. Coastal Corridor. Staff will present an update on Florida’s Coastal Corridor partnership with the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida (FWFF).
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).
      6E Summary Memo | 6E Presentation PDF | 6E Presentation PowerPoint

ANTICIPATED LUNCH BREAK

  1. Items Requiring Action 
    1. Proposed Final Rules – Cownose Rays. Staff will provide a recommendation for proposed final rules to establish regulations for cownose rays. The recommendation is informed by an evaluation of cownose ray biology, the fishery, public input, and Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) data showing declining abundances in some Florida estuaries. Cownose ray biology and behavior can make them vulnerable to overfishing, and there are currently no species-specific regulations for this species in Florida. 
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).

      Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rule for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
      7A Summary Memo | 7A 68B-44

    2. Proposed Rules – Freshwater Commercial Fisheries. Staff will provide an overview of Florida’s freshwater commercial fisheries and introduce proposed rule updates for catch data collection and catch preservation methods. Staff will also discuss additional clarification of the intent of the freshwater commercial license. Staff plan to engage with stakeholders on these rule proposals and return to a future commission meeting with a final rule package. 
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).
      7B Summary Memo | 7B 68A-33 | 7B 68A-34 | 7B Presentation PDF | 7B Presentation PowerPoint
    3. Proposed Final Rule – Vessel Turn-In Program. Staff seek to amend Rule 68D-15.003, F.A.C., to establish revised documents which are incorporated by rule. The program guidelines, VTIP application, preapproval form, and waiver are being updated to clarify that a vessel approved for the VTIP program remains the property and responsibility of the titled owner until it is removed from the water. This also clarifies that if a vessel sinks and becomes derelict prior to removal, it will be deemed ineligible for VTIP, and the application will be denied.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be postponed).

      Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rule for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
      7C Summary Memo | 7C 68D-15.003 | 7C VTIP Guidelines | 7C Application | 7C Wavier and Release Form | 7C Presentation PDF | 7C Presentation PowerPoint

  2. Future Agenda Items
  3. Commissioner Exchange
  4. Adjournment

    The next Commission meeting is scheduled for December 9-10, 2026, commencing at 8:30 a.m. each day

Consent Agenda

Any questions about consent agenda items should be addressed to agency staff prior to the Commission meeting.

  1. Biological Review Group Appointments. Staff propose members of the Biological  Review  Group  for the wood stork. The Southeast U.S. distinct population of the wood stork was federally delisted in February of 2026, which triggers the FWC review process for the species. Biological  Review  Group members are approved  by the  Commission to serve as the species or habitat experts that evaluate the conservation status of a species, as part of the state listing process for imperiled species. The listing process and criteria used for evaluation are outlined in 68A-27 F.A.C. 
    C1 Summary Memo | C1 Background Document

  2. Proposed Final Rule – Fishing Education Event License Permit. Staff seek approval to update the Fishing Education Event License Exemption permitting process by implementing language in 68-1.013 F.A.C. The permit provides recreational license exemptions for participants, event staff, and event volunteers while participating in education fishing events and programs.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C2 Summary Memo | C2 68-1.013

  3. Proposed Final Rule – American Shad. Staff seek approval to  modify  rule 68B-52.004, Florida  Administrative Code (F.A.C.), to make American shad catch-and-release only and remove American shad from the 10-fish shad aggregate recreational and commercial bag limits.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C3 Summary Memo | C3 68B-52.004

  4. Proposed Final Rule – Chapter 68D-15.005 - Local Ordinance  Review and Enforcement of At-Risk and Long-Term  Anchoring  Violations by  Code  Enforcement  Officers. Staff seek approval of proposed rule language  establishing  guidelines for code enforcement officers responsible for enforcing at risk and longterm anchoring regulations. Recent amendments to sections 327.4107 and 327.4111, Florida  Statutes, authorize local governments to enact ordinances allowing code enforcement officers to enforce these regulations and issue Uniform Boating Citations. The proposed rule outlines the duties these officers may perform, including  identifying  vessels, issuing notices, initiating  corrective actions, and overseeing the relocation, removal, storage, or destruction of vessels that become public nuisances after three at risk or long term anchoring violations.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C4 Summary Memo | C4 68D-15.005

  5. Proposed Final Rule – Florida Boating Improvement Program Grants. The proposed  amendments to Rule 68-1.003(9), F.A.C., update the  guidelines for  the  Florida Boating Improvement Program, which are  incorporated  by reference in the rule. The revisions enhance clarity and consistency, refine  eligibility and project administration requirements, and provide applicants with more detailed guidance on the application and evaluation process. These updates are intended to improve application quality and support effective project delivery.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C5 Summary Memo | C5 FBIP 68-1.003 | C5 FBIP Guidelines

  6. Proposed Final Rule – Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. The proposed  amendments to Rule 68-1.003(12), F.A.C., update the guidelines for the  Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIGP), which are incorporated by reference in the rule. Revisions throughout the guidelines clarify language to better assist applicants in navigating the BIGP proposal process and in preparing competitive, high-quality applications.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C6 Summary Memo | C6 BIGP 68-1.003 | C6 BIGP Guidelines

  7. Proposed Final Rule – Dutchman Key Private Submerged Lands Seagrass Protection Boating Restricted Areas. Staff seek approval to amend Rule 68D-24.0041, F.A.C., to relocate the slow-speed minimum-wake zone access channel south to a deeper, more accessible channel within the Dutchman Key Seagrass Protection area.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C7 Summary Memo | C7 68D-24.0041

  8. Proposed Final Rule – Criteria for Establishing Boating Restricted Areas. Staff seek approval to amend Rule 68D-24.003, F.A.C., to update the data and information the Commission may consider when determining whether to establish a boating restricted area under section 327.46(1)(a), Florida Statutes. This amendment will mirror the criteria set for local governments establishing boating restricted areas under the revised statutory provisions in HB 1103. The proposed amendment also adds a provision allowing the Commission to consider gaps between adjacent boating restricted areas when determining appropriate zone boundaries.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C8 Summary Memo | C8 68D-24.003

  9. Proposed Final Rule – Criteria for Approval of Ordinances. Staff seek approval to amend Rule 68D-21.004, F.A.C., to align with statutory changes enacted by HB 1103 regarding local government authority to establish certain boating restricted areas. The amendments permit local governments to establish an ordinance regulating vessel speed and operation within 300 feet of a confluence of water bodies that present a blind corner, and up to a distance of 1,000 feet if such an extended area is necessary to ensure safe navigation and adequate visibility for approaching vessels. The proposed changes also outline the data and information the Commission may consider when evaluating local ordinances under the revised statutory framework.

    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed final rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by section 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C9 Summary Memo | C9 68D-21.004

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