The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to (1) update and clarify requirements for the issuance of permits for the importation and possession of conditional and prohibited species; (2) codify eligibility requirements for issuance of such permits; (3) establish criteria for denial of research permits for conditional and prohibited species; and (4) retain conditional and prohibited species status for any taxa that subsequently undergoes any taxonomic alterations, such as reclassifying into a different genus or splitting into subspecies. The Commission is considering changes to state regulations that would: (1) revise protocols for importation of leopard (Geochelone pardalis), African spurred (Geochelone sulcata) and Bell’s hingeback tortoises (Kinixys belliana); (2) prohibit the outdoor culture and harvest of Nile perches (family Latidae) from aquaculture facilities using fee fishing; (3) add the Northern largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides) as a conditional species to prevent the genetic contamination of the native Florida subspecies; and (4) add the Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) as a prohibited species, which has been as problematic as zebra mussels in the Great Lakes, and the genus Dreissena is on the federal list of injurious wildlife. The effects of these rule changes will be stricter, more consistent regulations regarding the importation and possession of certain nonnative species, conditional species and prohibited species. These species are considered to be dangerous to the ecology and/or the health and welfare of the people of Florida. By adopting these regulations the State of Florida will be contributing to the effort to prevent introductions of non-native species.