Summary


Proposed new Rule 68-5.001, F.A.C., prohibits transportation into the state of any non-native freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrate, marine plant, marine animal, or wild animal life without a permit from the Commission, with specified exceptions. Permits for certain species will be issued upon the satisfaction of specified conditions. Accredited aquaria, zoological parks, and public exhibitors and individuals engaged in research will be issued permits to possess prohibited species under specified controls. Possession of piranha or pirambeba is absolutely prohibited. Sea snakes may only be possessed by specified institutions under strict control. Specified tortoises are only allowed to be brought into the state pursuant to Commission permit and specified conditions. Non-regulated non-native species are allowed to be taken in Florida without restrictions. Proposed new Rule 68-5.002, F.A.C., provides a list of conditional non-native species, those non-native species that are allowed to be possessed within the state only pursuant to Commission permit. Proposed new Rule 68-5.003, F.A.C., provides a list of prohibited non-native species, those non-native species that cannot be possessed in Florida, except under strictly controlled circumstances specified in Rule 68-5.001, F.A.C.