The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to allow landowners to deal with nuisance wildlife issues involving racoons. The effect of the proposed rule change will be to allow persons to transport nuisance raccoons for the purpose of euthanasia.

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68A-24.005: Transporting and Shipping Live Raccoons
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to allow landowners to deal with nuisance wildlife issues involving racoons. The effect of the proposed rule change will be to allow persons to transport nuisance raccoons for the purpose of euthanasia.
SUMMARY: A proposed new Rule 68A-9.010, F.A.C., contains a provision to allow the transportation of nuisance wildlife, including raccoons, for the purpose of euthanasia; however, Rule 68A-24.005, F.A.C., currently prohibits the transportation of wild-trapped raccoons. The proposed rule would allow off-site transportation of live-trapped nuisance raccoons for the purpose of euthanasia.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: During the regular meeting of the Commission, February 6-7, 2008, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., each day
PLACE: Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, 4200 Marriott Drive, Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: The ADA Coordinator, at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: James V. Antista, General Counsel, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

68A-24.005 Transporting and Shipping Live Raccoons.

No person shall transport within, into, or from the state any wild-trapped, live raccoon, except as authorized by Rule 68A-9.010, F.A.C.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2008.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 372.021 FS. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., 120.53 FS. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 7-5-84, Formerly 39-24.05, 39-24.005, Amended 7-1-08.

BE ADVISED THAT THESE PROPOSED RULES MAY BE FILED FOR ADOPTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE COMMISSION MEETING AT WHICH THEY ARE CONSIDERED IF THE RULES ARE NOT CHANGED. IF CHANGED, THE RULES MAY BE FILED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE FAW.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Roland Garcia, Regional Director, 3377 East U.S. Highway 90, Lake City, Florida 32409-1658
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Mr. Kenneth D. Haddad, Executive Director
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 5, 2007
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: December 7, 2007