The purpose of the rule amendment is to revise the definitions for bird sanctuary and restricted hunting area consistent with other proposed changes to the regulations governing the establishment of these areas. The effect ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68A-1.004Definitions

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of the rule amendment is to revise the definitions for bird sanctuary and restricted hunting area consistent with other proposed changes to the regulations governing the establishment of these areas. The effect will be to enable the agency to better manage fish and wildlife resources.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment would revise the definitions for bird sanctuary and restricted hunting area consistent with other proposed changes to the regulations governing the establishment of these areas.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The nature of the rule and the preliminary analysis conducted to determine whether a SERC was required.

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.

RULEMAKING 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 Commission’s regularly-scheduled meeting May 12-13, 2021, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., each day.

PLACE: Live broadcast via Adobe Connect and the Florida Channel. The Adobe Connect link will be available in advance of the hearing at https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/may-2021/. The public will be able to provide testimony or comment via phone number provided during the hearing.

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: George Warthen, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600.

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68A-1.004 Definitions.

The following definitions are for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the rules of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission relating to wild animal life and freshwater aquatic life. As used herein, the singular includes the plural. The following shall be construed respectively to mean:

(1) through (13) No change.

(14) Bird sanctuary – An area established prior to January 1, 2021 for the protection of birds and other wildlife in which hunting is prohibited in developed areas in the interest of safety, unless otherwise provided by specific regulation of the Commission.

(15) through (69) No change.

(70) Restricted hunting area – An area established by the Commission in which the taking of wildlife with guns is restricted, unless otherwise provided by specific regulation of the Commission hunting is prohibited in developed areas in the interest of safety unless otherwise provided by specific permit.

(71) through (94) No change.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-15-81, 11-17-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, 7-1-84, 7-1-85, Formerly 39-1.04, Amended 6-1-86, 5-10-87, 10-8-87, 3-1-88, 4-13-88, 4-27-89, 4-11-90, 7-1-92, 4-20-93, 3-1-94, 7-1-94, 4-1-96, 11-23-97, 7-1-98, 6-23-99, Formerly 39-1.004, Amended 7-1-00, 5-1-01, 5-1-03, 7-1-04, 5-26-05, 7-1-06, 4-1-07, 7-1-08, 10-23-08, 7-1-10, 11-8-10, 1-1-11, 4-9-13, 7-29-15, 5-11-16, 7-1-18,                  .

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE:  As soon as possible after approval by the Commission.

 

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 F.A.R.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: George Warthen, Director, Division of Hunting and Game Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: February 25, 2021

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: January 25, 2021