Skip to main content
Menu

November 2025

Date: Nov 5, 2025 Time: 8:30 am
Date: Nov 6, 2025 Time: 8:30 am
Location:

Palm Beach State College
Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center 
1977 SW College Dr.
Belle Glade, FL 33430

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 should be submitted 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.

8:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 5

  1. Call to Order
    1. Call to Order
    2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
  2. Administrative Matters
    1. Approve August 2025 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. Awards and Recognition
    1. Florida Sportsmen Conservation Association Award

BREAK

  1. Staff Reports
    1. Lake Okeechobee Update. Staff will provide an update on Lake Okeechobee’s recent recovery efforts, fisheries and wildlife status, and habitat restoration and enhancement.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than one hour. (This item may be moved to day two or postponed).
      5A Summary Memo | 5A Presentation PDF | 5A Presentation PowerPoint
  2. Items Requiring Action
    1. Proposed Rules – Hunting Rules for 2026-2027. Staff will present proposed rule amendments to revise select statewide hunting regulations and specific area regulations on wildlife management areas, wildlife and environmental areas, and miscellaneous areas to accomplish management objectives. Detailed proposed rule language is provided in background documents for this item. If approved, staff will return to a future commission meeting for a final hearing.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than one hour. (This item may be moved to day two or postponed).
      6A Summary Memo | | 6A Presentation PDF | 6A Presentation PowerPoint | 6A 68A-1.004 | 6A 68A-4.001 | 6A 68A-4.002 | 6A 68A-9.008 | 6A 68A-12.002 | 6A 68A-13.0001 | 6A 68A-13.004 | 6A 68A-13.007 | 6A 68A-15.004 | 6A 68A-15.005 | 6A 68A-15.006 | 6A 68A-15.061 | 6A 68A-15.062 | 6A 68A-15.063 | 6A 68A-15.064 | 6A 68A-15.065 | 6A 68A-17.004 | 6A 68A-17.005 | 6A 68A-24.002

ANTICIPATED LUNCH BREAK

    1. Proposed Final Rule – Nonnative Prohibited Reptiles. Staff will present proposed changes to rules related to nonnative Prohibited reptiles. The proposed rules would provide alternative ways to construct outdoor enclosures for green iguanas used for exhibition or research, and for wild-caught green iguanas collected for sales. These changes would allow the use of dig barriers or closed-mesh wire for walls and floors to provide permittees with feasible and secure caging alternatives to current regulations. The proposed changes would also clarify requirements for transport of Prohibited reptiles, emergency preparedness plans, and develops rules related to collection and transport of wild-caught green iguanas.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day two or postponed).
      Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rules and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
      6B Summary Memo | 6B Presentation PDF | 6B Presentation PowerPoint | 6B 68-5.002 | 6B 68-5.007
  1. Staff Report
    1. Federal Fishery Management Council Report. Staff will report on actions and discussions from the Gulf Council’s August 25-28 meeting and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s September 15-19 meeting. Topics will include Councils’ recommendations for federal executive orders, replacement of the DESCEND Act in the Gulf, as well as updates on Gulf of America reef fish, South Atlantic snapper grouper, reopening a historical commercial rock shrimp fishing area off east Florida, and other topics relevant to Florida. Staff will also provide a report out of Year 1 of FWC’s Atlantic Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) Projects.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day two or postponed).
      7A Summary Memo | 7A Presentation PDF | 7A Presentation PowerPoint
  2. Items Requiring Action
    1. Final Rules – Apalachicola Bay Oyster Management and Statewide Regulations. Staff will provide a recommendation for final rules to update regulations for oyster management in Chapter 68B-27, F.A.C. This includes a new management framework for Apalachicola Bay, including harvest regulations to reopen the bay’s oyster fishery in a manner that continues to promote oyster resource recovery and long-term harvest opportunities. Staff will also provide recommendations for final rules to update regulations that apply to oyster harvest statewide.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day two or postponed).
      8A Summary Memo | 8A Presentation PDF | 8A Presentation PowerPoint | 8A 68B-27.001 | 8A 68B-27.002 | 8A 68B-27.003 | 8A 68B-27.004 | 8A 68B-27.005 | 8A 68B-27.006 | 8A 68B-27.007 | 8A 68B-27.008 | 8A 68B-27.009 | 8A 68B-27.011 | 8A 68B-27.013 | 8A 68B-27.014 | 8A 68B-27.015 | 8A 68B-27.016 | 8A 68B-27.017 | 8A 68B-27.018 | 8A 68B-27.019 | 8A 68B-27.020 | 8A 68B-27.0041 | 8A 68B-27.0175
    2. Proposed Rules – Spotted Seatrout. Staff will provide a recommendation for proposed rules to update spotted seatrout management, including establishing new management regions as well as recreational and commercial harvest regulations for each region. The recommendations for proposed harvest regulations for each region are based on an evaluation of the spotted seatrout fishery using a suite of management metrics and public feedback gathered through multiple engagement efforts, including the 2025 Seatrout Symposium and public workshops. Staff will also present the inaugural Annual Review for spotted seatrout in each proposed management region.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day two or postponed).
      8B Summary Memo | 8B Presentation PDF | 8B Presentation PowerPoint | 8B 68B-37.002 | 8B 68B-37.003 | 8B 68B-37.004 | 8B 68B-37.005 | 8B 68B-37.007
  3. Recess Wednesday’s portion of the meeting no later than 5:00 p.m.

8:30 a.m., Thursday, November 6

  1. Call to Order
  2. Items Requiring Action
    1. Proposed Rule - Regulated Trapping of Wildlife in Florida. Staff will present proposed rule amendments to modernize Florida’s current wildlife trapping regulations to include new registration, training, and reporting requirements, and updates to the allowed methods of take. These changes will better align with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Best Management Practices in support of humane trapping. Staff will also provide an update on stakeholder engagement and feedback received to date through public webinars, a commenting tool, and the work of the Trapping Technical Assistance Group.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than one hour. (This item may be moved to day one or postponed).
      11A Summary Memo | 11A Presentation PDF | 11A Presentation PowerPoint | 11A 68A-1.004 | 11A 68A-4.001 | 11A 68A-9 | 11A 68A-12.002 | 11A 68A-15.004 | 11A 68A-17.004 | 11A 68A-24 | 11A 68A-32
    2. Proposed Final Rule – Florida Reef Gecko Listing and Guidelines. Staff will seek approval to add the Florida reef gecko to the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List. The final step of the state listing process requires Commission approval of a Species Action Plan, the updates to the Imperiled Species Management Plan to incorporate the gecko and the Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines, which would be incorporated into rule. The Florida reef gecko would be removed from the Candidate species list and added to the State-designated Threatened list in rule.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day one or postponed).
      Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
      11B Summary Memo | 11B Presentation PDF | 11B Presentation PowerPoint | 11B 68A-27 | 11B Background Report
    3. Final Rules – Marine Special Activity License (SAL) Program Phase II Updates. Staff will present recommendations for final rule changes to rules in Chapter 68B-8, F.A.C., as the second phase of improvements to the Marine SAL program. The changes would address general conditions and restrictions, policies, eligibility requirements, tagging of marine organisms, the decision process flow chart for the genetic risk assessment of release activities, and reorganization of the non-conforming gear SAL rules.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day one or postponed).
      11C Summary Memo | 11C Presentation PDF | 11C Presentation PowerPoint | 11C 68B-8.002 | 11C 68B-8.003 | 11C 68B-8.005 | 11C 68B-8.006 | 11C 68B-8.007 | 11C 68B-8.008 | 11C 68B-8.010 | 11C 68B-8.011 | 11C 68B-8.012 | 11C 68B-8.014
    4. Proposed Final Rule – Broward County Boating Restricted Areas. Staff are seeking to amend Rule 68D-24.008, F.A.C., to establish a new boating restricted area in Broward County, specifically within the portion of the Intracoastal Waterway between Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge and the Sunrise Boulevard Bridge. This proposed zone was determined necessary to address documented public safety concerns resulting from vessel traffic congestion, as demonstrated by a recent boating fatality, accident reports, uniform boating citations, and other credible data.
      Public comment on this agenda item will be limited to no more than 30 minutes. (This item may be moved to day one or postponed).
      Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
      11D Summary Memo | 11D Presentation PDF | 11D Presentation PowerPoint | 11D 68D-24.008
  3. Future Agenda Items
  4. Commissioner Exchange
  5. Adjournment
    The next Commission meeting is scheduled for February 4-5, 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. Final Rules – Gulf Lane Snapper Regulations Changes. Staff are requesting approval to increase the lane snapper recreational and commercial minimum size limit to 10 inches and establish a 20-fish recreational bag limit in Gulf state waters. Gulf lane snapper is primarily a Florida fishery, and harvest has exceeded overfishing limits in recent years, leading to early closures. These changes, which were presented to the Commission in August and broadly supported by stakeholders, are intended to help prevent overfishing, reduce the likelihood of early closures, and increase regulatory consistency between Gulf state and federal waters.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C1 Summary Memo | C1 68B-14.0035 | C1 68B-14.0036
  2. Proposed Final Rule – Carolina Hammerhead. Staff seek approval to add a newly described species, Carolina hammerhead, to the list of prohibited species within Rule 68B-44.004, F.A.C. Carolina hammerhead was described in 2013, is visually indistinguishable from scalloped hammerhead, and can only be differentiated from scalloped hammerhead by vertebrae counts or genetics. Previously, FWC added scalloped, great, and smooth hammerhead sharks to Florida’s prohibited species list due to the presence of critical nursery grounds in Florida’s coastal waters, the species’ vulnerability to fishing in these areas, and public support. Because Carolina and scalloped hammerhead are visually indistinguishable and have overlapping ranges, adding Carolina hammerhead to the prohibited species list would further promote FWC’s conservation approach to hammerhead sharks and mitigate identification challenges associated with these species. The proposed consent agenda item would add Carolina hammerhead to Florida’s prohibited species list, thereby prohibiting the harvest, possession, or harm of the species, or any part there of. 
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C2 Summary Memo | C2 68B-44.004
  3. Proposed Final Rule – Updates to Commission Grants Program Rule Language. Staff seek approval to amend grant rule language in 68-1.003(14), F.A.C. Current rule language details requirements related to the use of grant funding for angler recruitment, reactivation, and retention programs. This grant funding mechanism is not being utilized, and these rules can be deleted. Removing this unused rule language will not negatively impact the Commission’s capability to fund, operate, and administer fishing outreach and education programs.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested.
    C3 Summary Memo | C3 68-1.003
  4. Proposed Final Rule – Withlacoochee River Boating Restricted Areas. Staff seek approval to amend Rule 68D-24.109, F.A.C., to reflect updated National Weather Service (NWS) data collection methods for existing boating-restricted areas (designated as Idle Speed No Wake during times of flooding) along the Withlacoochee River. The NWS has designated an “action stage” for three of the four water level gauges FWC monitors on the river. The action stage represents the level of a rising stream at which mitigation measures become necessary in preparation for possible significant hydrologic activity. Action stages will replace the current outdated numerical measurements to allow for consistency and simplicity. For the fourth gauge, the rule will be amended to reflect NOAA’s revised data collection methods. In addition, staff seek approval to remove all Withlacoochee River closure provisions from this rule as Florida law does not authorize the Commission to establish closure areas.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C4 Summary Memo | C4 68D-24.109
  5. Proposed Final Rule – Long-Term Anchoring. Staff seek approval of proposed Rule 68D-15.003, F.A.C. as required by 327.4111, F.S. This rule establishes an electronic long-term anchoring permit and the information required for the application, such as vessel and applicant information, penalties for violations, and conditions for revocation of the permit.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C5 Summary Memo | C5 68D-15.003
  6. Proposed Final Rule – Effective Means of Propulsion for Safe Navigation. Staff seek approval of the proposed amendments to Rule 68D-15.002, F.A.C. as required by recent changes to 327.4107, F.S., which will include changes to the timeframe requirements for conducting effective means of propulsion for safe navigation evaluations.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C6 Summary Memo | C6 68D-15.002
  7. Proposed Final Rule - Definitions and Minimum Requirements for Training Facilities and Instructors. Staff seek approval to amend Rules 68D-36.102 and 68D-36.103, F.A.C., to update outdated terminology. Specifically, the proposed amendments replace “Training Facility” with “Course Provider” throughout the rules to align with the modern delivery methods of approved Florida boating safety courses.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C7 Summary Memo | C7 68D-36.102 | C7 68D-36.103
  8. Proposed Final Rule - Minimum Standards for Boating Safety Courses and Violators Courses. Staff seek approval to amend Rules 68D-36.104 and 68D-36.106, F.A.C., to add clarifying language to conform to recent changes 327.371, 327.395, and 327.731, F.S. Amendments to Rule 68D-36.104, F.A.C., add language clarifying minimum course standards apply to both classroom and online boating safety courses, and regulating human-powered vessels operating within the Florida Intracoastal Waterway. Amendments to Rule 68D-36.106, F.A.C., alter the requirement of attendance at a violator court when convicted of one non-criminal boating violation.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C8 Summary Memo | C8 68D-36.104 | C8 68D-36.106
  9. Proposed Final Rule – Uniform Waterway Markers in Florida Waters. Staff seek approval of proposed final rule amendments to revise Rule 68D-23, F.A.C., Permits Required; Application for Permits. Specifically, this section is being amended to replace the outdated permit application form with information about the Commission’s newly implemented FWC Online Permitting System (FOPS) and to update the waterway marker location coordinate format to conform to the requirements of that system.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3), Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C9 Summary Memo | C9 68D-23.104 | C9 68D-106 | C9 68D-23.112
  10. Proposed Final Rule – Updates to References to the FWC Permit System. Staff seek approval to update references and links to the FWC Permit System that are currently in multiple places in rule, and to re-incorporate updated forms that also have links. This existing system is being replaced, and current links will become obsolete. The FWC Permit system is the online portal for issuing permits for gopher tortoises, marine turtles, migratory birds, scientific collecting for Threatened and Endangered species, and aquatic plant control.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C10 Summary Memo | C10 68E-1.004 | C10 68F-20.002 | C10 68A-27.003 | C10 Background Report Striped Newt and Gopher Tortoise | C10 Background Report Marine Turtle Handbook
  11. Proposed Final Rule – Derelict, Migrant, and At-Risk/Public Nuisance Vessel Removal Grant Program. Staff seek approval to amend Rule 68-1.003(7), F.A.C., adopting changes to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Derelict Vessel and At-Risk/Public Nuisance Vessel Removal Grant Program. Due to recent legislative changes, the Rule will be renamed to “Derelict, Migrant, and At-Risk/Public Nuisance Vessel Removal Grant Program.” Additional changes to be incorporated by reference include renaming the program on the referenced Guidelines and Grant Application, removing the term “Responsible Party,” amending the timeline and terms for At-Risk/Public Nuisance vessels as revised in 327.73(1)aa, F.S., and including the ability to use grant funding for the removal of migrant vessels.
    Note: Staff are requesting Commission approval to advertise the proposed rule and file for adoption as soon as possible. If approved, Commission staff will file the rules for adoption as allowed by s. 120.54(3) Florida Statutes, without further public hearing, unless requested. 
    C11 Summary Memo | C11 68-1.003 | C11 Application | C11 Guidelines
💬 Ask Buck!
✖