Public Workshops/Notices/Comment Opportunities
Agenda Item Regarding Silver Glen Springs Removed from Upcoming Commission Meeting
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has removed the proposed Springs Protection Zone (SPZ) at Silver Glen Springs from the agenda of the May 21-22 Commission meeting in Ocala.
This decision is a result of recent legislation passed by the Florida Legislature that proposes changes to the statutory requirements for establishing SPZs. Although this legislation has not yet been signed into law by the Governor, it includes significant revisions – specifically, that any harm caused by vessels must be both significant and the predominant source of harm to a spring before an SPZ can be established. If signed by the Governor, this legislation will take effect July 1, 2025.
The Commission’s consideration of an SPZ at Silver Glen Springs during the May meeting would be based on an evaluation of the request under the existing statutory criteria. Should the Commission approve an SPZ at the May meeting, there would not be sufficient time to establish the SPZ by rule before the newly proposed statutory criteria would take effect on July 1., 2025.
Given the timeline and potential changes, it would be premature and potentially inappropriate for the Commission to act on this matter at this time. Considering an SPZ under the current statute, while the Legislature has clearly expressed its intent to revise those conditions along with conflicting timelines for rule adoption, would preempt the legislative process. The FWC wants to ensure any action taken by the Commission reflects the most current legal framework and the intent of the Legislature, once formally enacted.
Staff will continue monitoring the progress of this legislation and will revisit this matter once there is clarity on the statutory requirements for SPZ establishment. For more information, contact Robert.Klepper@MyFWC.com.
Springs Protection Zone
RULE NO: 68D-24.0038
RULE TITLE: Silver Glen Springs Protection Zone
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducted an in-person and concurrent virtual public meeting Feb. 20, 2025, in Astor to present information about the proposed establishment of a springs protection zone (SPZ) in Silver Glen Springs and the associated Spring Run and receive input from the public on this topic.
- Review the recording of this public meeting.
- Download the PowerPoint presentation.
Members of the public are invited to submit comments and questions about this topic at BoatingPublicComments@myfwc.com.
Vessel Registration and Boating Safety
RULE NO.: 68D-24.017
RULE TITLE: Palm Beach County Boating Restricted Areas
The FWC hosted the following meetings in 2024 regarding proposed changes to 68D-24.017 to establish a boating restricted area in Jupiter Narrows.
- In-person public meeting Nov. 19, 2024. This meeting was live-streamed and recorded and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvLKXDzVdpY
- Virtual meeting Dec. 17, 2024.
For more information, contact: Major Bill Holcomb, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, William.Holcomb@MyFWC.com.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments and questions about this topic at BoatingPublicComments@MyFWC.com.
Previous Opportunities to Provide Feedback
The FWC actively seeks public input on a variety of topics related to boating and waterways and provides public notices of proposed and approved local boating restricted areas. Please check back to this webpage for updates.
