68A-4.005. Introduction of Carriers of Disease; Inspection

(1) No person shall release or introduce in the state any wildlife, freshwater fish or any other organism that might reasonably be expected to transmit any disease to wildlife or freshwater fish

(a) Any representative of the Commission may inspect all records, ponds, pools, vehicles and other facilities used to produce, grow, store or transport freshwater aquatic organisms. Inspection may be made of such facilities wherein foreign or non-native species of freshwater aquatic organisms are propagated for any commercial purpose so as to determine that such species or their eggs are not allowed to escape into the waters of the state or to determine whether freshwater aquatic organisms are infected or diseased. In the event that an epizootic aquatic disease among cultured aquatic freshwater organisms presents a threat to public health or to fish or wildlife resources, freshwater aquatic organisms exposed to or exhibiting such disease may be quarantined, confiscated or destroyed as a public nuisance without compensation to anyone having a financial interest in such organisms.

(b) Any freshwater aquatic organism that may be discovered in ponds, pools, vehicles or other facilities and which in the determination of the executive director would be detrimental to fish or wildlife resources if released or placed in the waters of the state, shall be confiscated and destroyed as a public nuisance.

(2) Nothing in this rule shall prohibit the Commission or its duly authorized agents from bringing into the state or releasing or introducing any wildlife or freshwater fish.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.1025 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 379.28, 379.231 FS. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-21-82, 7-1-84, Formerly 39-4.05, 39-4.005, Amended 6-7-07.