68-1.011. Military/Disabled Veteran License Exemption Permits

(1) Pursuant to Section 379.353(2)(q), F.S., the Executive Director or his or her designee shall issue military/disabled veteran license exemption permits (MDVE permits) exempting the following persons from the recreational licenses and permits authorized by Section 379.354, F.S., for the duration of a specified event: disabled veterans certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor or by any branch of the United States Armed Forces to have a service-connected disability percentage rating of zero or higher; active duty or reserve duty servicemembers of any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, military reserves, the Florida National Guard, or the United States Coast Guard Reserve; the immediate family members of these disabled veterans or military personnel; and one additional person to assist each disabled veteran. For purposes of this subsection, an event is an organized, time-limited occasion for the primary purpose of the rehabilitation or enjoyment of the above-listed disabled veterans or military personnel. An individual or entity interested in hosting an event using the MDVE exemption must apply in the manner specified by the Commission a minimum of 10 business days before the start of an event. MDVE permit holders shall ensure that all exempted event participants meet all requirements of the statute.

(2) The MDVE permit only provides an exemption from recreational licenses and permits authorized by Section 379.354, F.S.; additional permits may be required. The MDVE permit does not exempt permittees or event participants from size limits, bag limits, slot limits, gear restrictions, seasons, or any other harvest restrictions.

(3) Exemptions from authorizations required for limited-entry activities are not available.

(4) The MDVE permit shall only be issued for events that do not unduly impact resources, interfere with other users, or impose significant costs to the Commission.

(5) The Commission shall impose upon any MDVE permit such reasonable conditions as are necessary to assure that the use or activity authorized will limit liability to the agency and protect fish, wildlife, natural, and cultural resources.

(6) Violations of this rule or of the terms of the MDVE permit may result in the revocation of the permit and the denial of future permit applications pursuant to Rule 68-1.010, F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution; 379.353(2)(q) FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution; 379.353(2)(q) FS. History–New 1-7-14.