The proposed rule changes finalize the state listing process for the striped newt. In 2019, the FWC received a request to evaluate the striped newt for listing as State-designated Threatened, and the Commission approved a Biological Review Group to evaluate the status of the species. Based on this evaluation, staff made a listing status recommendation to Commissioners in 2021. Commissioners agreed that the species warranted listing as State-designated Threatened and approved incorporating the striped newt into Rule 68A-27.0021, F.A.C., as a Candidate species, with direction to staff to develop a management plan and Guidelines. Commissioners approved the management plan and proposed rule revisions November 30, 2022. The proposed rule revisions will complete the listing process by removing the striped newt from the Candidate Species List in Rule 68A-27.0021, F.A.C., adding the species as State-designated Threatened to Rule 68A-27.003, F.A.C., and incorporating the Guidelines in rule by reference. The Guidelines provide information on ways to avoid take, authorize take in certain circumstances, and provide minimization and mitigation options when take cannot be avoided.