reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-11 - THE BISCAYNE BAY-CARD SOUND SPINY LOBSTER SANCTUARY › Section 68B-11.004 - Violation of Sanctuary Rules; Passage Through and Temporary Safe Refuge in Sanctuary with Spiny Lobster Aboard Allowed Under Certain Conditions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
The presence of spiny lobster aboard a vessel within the
				  boundaries of the sanctuary, while one or more persons from such vessel are
				  overboard, is prohibited and constitutes a violation of this chapter by all
				  persons aboard and overboard from such vessel; provided, however, that nothing
				  in this chapter shall prevent any person, while lawfully possessing spiny
				  lobster taken or trapped outside the boundaries of the sanctuary, or any vessel
				  having such lawfully possessed spiny lobster aboard, from:
(1) Passing through the sanctuary, so long as
				no one from such vessel is overboard while inside the boundaries of the
				sanctuary, or
(2) Seeking temporary
				safe refuge or anchorage within the sanctuary, so long as no one from such
				vessel is overboard while inside the boundaries of the
				sanctuary.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 7-3-84, Formerly 46-11.04, Amended 7-15-96, Formerly
					 46-11.004.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-12 - KING MACKEREL RESOURCE RENEWAL › Section 68B-12.001 - King Mackerel Gulf-Atlantic Fishery; Resource Renewal Policy; Designation as Restricted Species

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) The
				purpose of this chapter is to renew and assure the continuing health and
				abundance of the king mackerel fishery in Florida waters of the Gulf of Mexico
				and Atlantic Ocean herein designated as the Florida Gulf-Atlantic Fishery. This
				measure is founded upon evidence publicly received and reviewed at length by
				the Commission, deemed to be the best available information, that the king
				mackerel Gulf-Atlantic Fishery is dangerously depleted through excessive
				harvesting by commercial and recreational harvesters alike, and is at risk of
				further depletion, to the detriment of commercial and recreational harvesters
				as well as to the resource.
(2)
				This chapter is intended to complement the provisions of Rule Chapter 68B-30,
				F.A.C., which regulate the Atlantic king mackerel fishery.
(3) Measures to reduce fishing pressure on
				the Gulf-Atlantic group of king mackerel include recreational bag and
				possession limits, regional season harvest limits and daily vessel harvest and
				landing limits for commercial harvesters, and season closure for commercial
				harvesters to coincide with commercial harvest closure in adjacent federal
				(EEZ) waters.
(4) King mackerel is
				hereby designated a restricted species pursuant to Section
				379.101(32),
				F.S.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla
					 Const.
New 12-20-84, Formerly 46-12.01, Amended 11-13-86, 11-1-88,
					 10-1-90, Formerly 46-12.001.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-12 - KING MACKEREL RESOURCE RENEWAL › Section 68B-12.002 - Definitions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
For the purpose of this chapter, except where the context
				  clearly requires otherwise:
(1)
				"Commission" means the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
				Commission.
(2) "Gulf-Atlantic
				Fishery" means all Florida waters of the Gulf of Mexico and all Florida waters
				of the Atlantic Ocean south of a line extending due east of the
				Miami-Dade/Monroe county line, and all king mackerel in those waters
				(consistent with the Federal Standard established in 50 C.F.R. §622.369(a)
				as of May 11, 2017).
(3) "Harvest,
				" used in reference to activities of a person or a boat, means catching a king
				mackerel in or from the water by any means, then reducing the fish to
				possession. A king mackerel that is caught but immediately returned to the
				water free, alive and unharmed is not harvested.
(4) "Harvest for commercial purposes" means
				the taking or harvesting of any king mackerel for purposes of sale or with
				intent to sell. King mackerel harvest in excess of the bag limit shall
				constitute harvest for commercial purposes.
(5) "King mackerel, " also commonly referred
				to as "kingfish, " means any fish of the species Scomberomorus
				cavalla.
(6) "Land, " when used in
				connection with the harvest of a fish, means the physical act of bringing the
				harvested fish ashore.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla
					 Const.
New 12-20-84, Formerly 46-12.02, Amended 11-13-86, 11-1-88,
					 10-1-90, 7-15-96, Formerly 46-12.002, Amended
					 5-11-17.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-12 - KING MACKEREL RESOURCE RENEWAL › Section 68B-12.0035 - Size Limit

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) No person shall
				harvest from the waters of the Gulf-Atlantic Fishery or land any king mackerel
				with a fork length less than 24 inches, measured from the tip of the snout to
				the rear center edge of the tail.
(2) All king mackerel shall be landed in a
				whole condition. The possession, while in or on state waters, on any public or
				private fishing pier, or on a bridge or catwalk attached to a bridge from which
				fishing is allowed, or on any jetty, of any such fish that has been deheaded,
				sliced, divided, filleted, ground, skinned, scaled or deboned is prohibited.
				Mere evisceration or "gutting" of such fish, or mere removal of gills before
				landing is not prohibited.
(3) It
				is the intent of this rule and Rule
				68B-30.0025, F.A.C. to expressly
				repeal and replace Section
				370.11(2)(a)
				3., F.S. (1993), and the remainder of Section 370.11(2)(a), F.S. (1993), as
				these provisions pertain to king mackerel.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla Const., Chapter
					 83-134, Laws of Fla., as amended by Chapter 84-121 and Chapter 85-163, Laws of
					 Fla. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla Const., Chapter 83-134, Laws of Fla.,
					 as amended by Chapter 84-121 and Chapter 85-163, Laws of
					 Fla.
New 11-29-93, Amended 6-3-96, Formerly 46-12.0035, Amended
					 10-22-99.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-12 - KING MACKEREL RESOURCE RENEWAL › Section 68B-12.0045 - Recreational Season; Season Closure

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1)
				The king mackerel fishing season for harvesters subject to the bag limit
				established in subsection
				68B-12.004(1),
				F.A.C., in the Gulf-Atlantic fishery shall be July 1 of each year through June
				30 of the following year.
(2) If
				the harvest of king mackerel in federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters
				adjacent to the Gulf-Atlantic fishery is closed to all harvesters prior to the
				end of the season specified in subsection (1), the season for harvest of king
				mackerel under the bag limit established in subsection
				68B-12.004(1),
				F.A.C. in the Gulf-Atlantic fishery shall continue until the following July 1
				under a bag limit of one fish per person, per day, upon notice given by the
				Commission, in the manner provided in Section
				120.81(5),
				F.S.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla
					 Const.
New 11-13-86, Amended 11-1-88, 10-1-90, Formerly
					 46-12.0045.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-12 - KING MACKEREL RESOURCE RENEWAL › Section 68B-12.0046 - Commercial Fishing Season for King Mackerel in the Gulf-Atlantic Fishery; Commercial Seasons; Vessel and Landing Limits

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Any person harvesting or possessing king
				mackerel in excess of the bag and possession limits specified in Rule
				68B-12.004, F.A.C. in the
				Gulf-Atlantic fishery shall also possess a valid saltwater products license
				with a restricted species endorsement and a federal commercial permit to
				harvest king mackerel.
(2) Persons
				harvesting king mackerel for commercial purposes from the Gulf-Atlantic fishery
				shall be subject to commercial vessel limits in adjacent federal waters
				pursuant to 50 C.F.R. §622.385(a)(2) (as of May 11, 2017) unless adjacent
				federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters are closed to commercial harvest
				of king mackerel.
(3) Season
				closures - If at any time adjacent federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters
				are closed to commercial harvest of king mackerel, corresponding state waters
				shall also be closed to commercial harvest of king mackerel, beginning from the
				date of such closure until federal waters are reopened to commercial harvest of
				king mackerel.
(4) Transit
				provisions - A vessel that has onboard king mackerel harvested from an open
				area in either state or federal waters may transit through and land king
				mackerel in state waters that are closed to the harvest of king mackerel
				pursuant to subsection (2), under the following conditions:
(a) The king mackerel have been legally
				harvested from state or federal waters pursuant to Chapters 68B-12 and 68B-30,
				F.A.C., or pursuant to Part 622 C.F.R. for king mackerel;
(b) The king mackerel have been harvested
				pursuant to a Florida saltwater products license and restricted species
				endorsement (Section 379.362, F.S.) and a federal
				king mackerel permit (Part 622 C.F.R.);
(c) The transport of king mackerel through
				the closed state waters is direct, continuous and expeditious from the area
				open to harvest to the place where the vessel is regularly docked, moored, or
				otherwise stored or to the place of the licensed wholesale dealer where the
				catch is to be sold; and,
(d) All
				fishing gear must be stowed during transit through the closed area. For the
				purpose of this section appropriately stowed means a rod and reel must be
				stowed securely. Terminal gear (i.e., hooks, leaders, sinkers, flashers, or
				baits) must be disconnected and stowed separately from the fishing apparatus.
				Sinkers must be disconnected from the down rigger and stowed separately.
				Gillnets must be rolled, folded, or otherwise properly and securely stowed in
				sealed containers or compartments so as to make their immediate use as fishing
				implements impracticable.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-12 - KING MACKEREL RESOURCE RENEWAL › Section 68B-12.006 - Other Prohibitions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) No person
				shall possess, transport, buy, sell, exchange or offer to buy, sell or exchange
				any king mackerel harvested in violation of any provision or condition of this
				chapter.
(2) The Commission shall
				issue a permit pursuant to Rule
				68B-2.010, F.A.C., to authorize
				king mackerel caught in an organized tournament to be donated to a licensed
				wholesale dealer.
(3) The
				prohibitions of this chapter apply as well to any and all persons operating a
				vessel in the Gulf-Atlantic fishery, who shall be deemed to have violated any
				prohibition which has been violated by another person aboard such
				vessel.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla
					 Const.
New 11-13-86, Formerly 46-12.006, Amended
					 10-12-15.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.001 - Applicability of Rules to State and Federal Waters

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
The regulations in this rule apply in all state waters and,
				  in absence of any stone crab regulations in federal waters, apply in adjacent
				  federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., Art. X, Sec. 16, Fla. Const.,
					 379.407
					 FS.
New 7-1-11.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.002 - Stone Crabs, Regulation (Repealed)

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., Art. X, Sec. 16, Fla. Const.,
					 379.407
					 FS.
New 4-10-85, Formerly 46-13.02, Amended 4-18-90, 6-17-93,
					 10-4-95, 9-30-96, 1-1-98, 6-1-99, Formerly 46-13.002, Repealed
					 7-1-00.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.005 - Designation as Restricted Species; Season; Repeal of Special Act

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Stone crabs are hereby designated as a
				restricted species pursuant to Section
				379.101(32),
				F.S.
(2) The season for the
				harvest, possession and sale of stone crab claws shall be from October 15
				through May 1, each year. No person, firm or corporation, shall harvest, or
				have in his or her possession, regardless of where taken, or sell or offer for
				sale, any stone crab of any size, or any parts thereof, from May 2 through
				October 14, each year, except for stone crab claws, placed in inventory by a
				wholesale or retail dealer as defined in Section
				379.414, F.S., prior to May 2 of
				each year.
(3) Chapter 73-432, Laws
				of Florida, relating to the maximum allowed number of stone crab traps fished
				per boat in Citrus, Dixie, Levy, and Taylor Counties, is hereby
				repealed.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 7-1-00, Amended 7-1-03,
					 10-1-20.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.006 - Licenses, Endorsements, and Permits

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1)
(a) Except as provided in subsection
				68B-13.010(5),
				F.A.C., in addition to a saltwater products license, a stone crab endorsement
				is required in order to harvest and possess stone crabs for commercial
				purposes. This endorsement shall only be issued to a person, firm or
				corporation that possess a valid restricted species endorsement on their
				saltwater products license issued pursuant to Section
				379.361, F.S.
(b) Until July 1, 2002, no stone crab
				endorsements shall be renewed or replaced except those endorsements that were
				active during the 2000-2001 fiscal year. Renewal of such endorsements shall be
				made by the endorsement holder or an immediate family member on the endorsement
				holder's behalf, prior to September 30, 2001. Failure to renew by September 30,
				2001, shall lead to the deactivation of the holder's
				endorsement.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.007 - Restrictions on Size and on Transport and Possession of Stone Crabs and Stone Crab Claws

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Except as provided
				in subsection (3), of this rule, and in subsection
				68B-13.006(2),
				F.A.C., it is unlawful to harvest, possess, sell, or offer for sale any stone
				crab claw at any time which has a forearm (propodus) of less than 2 7/8 inches
				in length, measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower
				immovable finger. The forearm shall be deemed to be the largest section of the
				claw assembly that has both a movable and immovable finger and is located
				farthest from the body of the crab.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), of
				this rule, and in subsection
				68B-13.006(2),
				F.A.C., it is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to possess or
				transport by boat, land vehicle, airplane, or other conveyance any intact stone
				crab or stone crab body whether dead or alive. Only legal sized claws of stone
				crabs may be possessed or transported.
(3) Permissible temporary possession of whole
				stone crabs.
(a) Whole stone crabs may be
				temporarily possessed on board a vessel while such vessel is at sea for the
				purpose of determining compliance with size requirements until such time as the
				claws are removed, provided that the following conditions are met:
1. A person may not possess whole stone crabs
				unless such crabs are held within a checker box using one of the following
				configurations:
a. Up to two checker boxes,
				each no larger in dimension than 36 inches, by 24 inches, by 24 inches, or a
				volume of 12 cubic feet; or,
b. Any
				combination of checker boxes, provided that the total volume does not exceed 24
				cubic feet.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.009 - Recreational Stone Crab Harvest: Bag Limit, Trap Limit, Trap Marking Requirements, Trap Pulling, Recreational Stone Crab Trap Registration Requirement

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) BAG LIMIT. Except for persons harvesting
				pursuant to a saltwater products license with a stone crab endorsement or an
				incidental take endorsement and a restricted species endorsement, each
				harvester of stone crab claws is subject to a daily bag limit of 1 gallon of
				stone crab claws; provided, however, that no more than 2 gallons shall be
				possessed aboard any vessel at any time.
(2) TRAP LIMIT. Except for persons holding a
				saltwater products license with restricted species and stone crab endorsements,
				no person harvesting stone crabs pursuant to this subsection shall harvest
				from, fish with, set, or place in the waters of the state more than 5 stone
				crab traps. Any such traps shall meet all requirements for stone crab traps
				specified in Rule 68B-13.008, F.A.C., in
				subsection (2), and in paragraphs (3)(b), (4)(a), (b), (d), and (e).
(3) TRAP MARKING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) The buoy attached to each trap used to
				harvest stone crabs, other than those used to harvest for commercial purposes,
				shall have a legible "R", at least two inches high, permanently affixed to it.
				A buoy is not required on a trap fished from a dock.
(b) Each trap shall have the harvester's full
				name, address, and unless exempt pursuant to paragraph (4)(d), a valid
				recreational stone crab trap identification number assigned by the Recreational
				Stone Crab Trap Registration pursuant to subsection (4), permanently affixed to
				it in legible letters.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.011 - Prohibitions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) It is unlawful for a person to possess or
				use any other gear or device designed to attract and enclose or otherwise aid
				in the taking of stone crabs with a trap that does not meet the specifications
				of this rule chapter.
(2) It is
				unlawful for a person to possess or use stone crab trap tags without having the
				necessary number of certificates on record.
(3) It is unlawful for any person to remove
				the contents of another harvester's trap without the trap owner providing his
				or her consent pursuant to the requirements of this rule chapter. Such
				unauthorized removal constitutes theft.
(4) It is unlawful for any person to
				willfully molest any stone crab trap, line, or buoy that is the property of any
				license holder, without the permission of that license holder.
(5) It is unlawful for any person to use a
				stone crab trap tag not issued to them by the commission, or to use an expired
				tag.
(6) It is unlawful for any
				person to make, alter, forge, counterfeit, or reproduce a stone crab trap
				tag.
(7) It is unlawful for any
				person to have in his or her possession a forged, counterfeit, or imitation
				stone crab trap tag.
(8) It is
				unlawful for any person to barter, trade, sell, supply, agree to supply, aid in
				supplying, or give away a stone crab trap tag or certificate unless such action
				is duly authorized by the commission as provided by commission rules.
(9) It is unlawful for any person to harvest
				stone crab claws out of season.
(10) It is unlawful to fraudulently report
				the actual value of transferred stone crab certificates.
(11) It is unlawful for a person to possess
				or use a stone crab trap in or on state waters or adjacent federal waters
				without having firmly affixed thereto the trap tag required by this
				rule.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 7-1-00, Amended 7-22-01,
					 7-1-11.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-13 - STONE CRABS › Section 68B-13.012 - Commission Policy Regarding the Assessment of Administrative Penalties

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) It shall be the policy of the Commission
				to assess administrative penalties pursuant to Section
				379.365(2)(a),
				F.S., for conviction of a violation involving use of stone crab traps without
				current year trap tags (paragraph
				68B-13.010(2)(b),
				and subsections 68B-13.011(5) and
				(11), F.A.C.), as follows:
(a) For a first conviction:
1. Involving 20 or fewer untagged stone crab
				traps - $25 per untagged trap;
2.
				Involving 21 or more untagged stone crab traps - $1000 and suspension of the
				stone crab endorsement for the remainder of the fishing
				season.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.001 - Purpose and Intent, Designation as Restricted Species

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Purpose and intent.
(a) The purpose of this chapter is to protect
				and replenish Florida's reef fish resources by imposing minimum size limits,
				recreational bag limits, and restrictions on gear used to harvest the families,
				genera and species listed herein.
(b) The prohibitions contained in this
				chapter are not intended to supersede or conflict with provisions of any
				federal management plan or regulations operative in Exclusive Economic Zone
				(EEZ) waters adjacent to Florida waters.
(c) The regulations in this chapter apply in
				all state waters and, in the absence of any regulations for the following
				species in federal waters, apply in adjacent federal EEZ waters.
1. Grouper.
a. Coney.
b. Graysby.
c. Misty grouper.
d. Red hind.
e. Rock hind.
2. Snapper.
a. Black snapper.
b. Dog snapper.
c. Mahogany snapper.
d. Schoolmaster.
e. Wenchman.
(d) The size limit, bag limit, and seasons
				for red snapper harvested recreationally in the Gulf of Mexico apply to all
				recreational harvesters within or without Florida waters, except for
				recreational harvesters on a vessel that has been issued a valid federal
				Charter/Headboat permit for Gulf Reef Fish pursuant to 50 C.F.R.
				§622.20(b) any time during the fishing year. Vessels for hire that do not
				possess aboard the vessel a valid federal Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat
				permit for Reef Fish pursuant to 50 C.F.R. §622.20(b) are prohibited from
				fishing for or possessing red snapper in federal EEZ waters of the Gulf of
				Mexico.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.002 - Definitions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
For purposes of this chapter, except where the context
				  clearly requires otherwise:
(1)
				"Atlantic Ocean" means that body of water south and east of the line beginning
				at the point where the Natural Resources Boundary Line intersects 83 deg. W.
				longitude (24 deg. 29 min. N. latitude), thence north along 83 deg. W.
				longitude to where it intersects 24 deg. 35 min. N. latitude (near the Dry
				Tortugas), thence eastward along that parallel through Rebecca Shoal and the
				Quicksand Shoal to 82 deg. 13 min. W. longitude, then following the Territorial
				Sea Boundary south and east to the point it intersects 24 deg. 33 min. N.
				latitude, thence eastward along that parallel to the point where it intersects
				Key West, then continuing along a line eastward to the terminus of U.S. Highway
				1 to the point where it intersects the mainland at the east end of Florida
				Bay.
(2) "Charter vessel" means a
				vessel operated by a captain licensed by the United States Coast Guard to carry
				passengers for hire.
(3)
				"Barotrauma" means a pressure related injury (signs include protruding stomach,
				bulging eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines) that fish can experience
				when brought up from depth.
(4)
				"Descending device" means an instrument capable of releasing a fish at a depth
				sufficent for the fish to be able to recover from the effects of
				barotrauma.
(5) "Goliath grouper"
				means any fish of the species
Epinephelus itajara
, or any part
				thereof.
(6) "Gulf of Mexico" means
				that body of water north and west of the line described in the definition of
				"Atlantic Ocean" contained in subsection (1) of this rule.
(7) "Harvest for commercial purposes" means
				the taking or harvesting of fish for purposes of sale or with intent to sell or
				in excess of established bag limits.
(8) "Headboat" means a vessel that holds a
				valid Certificate of Inspection issued from the U.S. Coast Guard to carry
				passengers for hire when it carries a passenger who pays a fee or when there
				are more than three persons aboard, including operator and crew.
(9) "Venting tool" means a device designed to
				penetrate the swim bladder of a fish to release the excess gases accumulated in
				the body cavity when a fish is retrieved from depth.
(a) A venting tool is a sharpened, hollow
				instrument that allows air to escape. A 16-gauge needle, which has an outside
				diameter of 0.065 inches (1.65 mm), is the minimum diameter hollow tube
				allowable. A larger diameter hollow needle is preferred to allow air to escape
				more rapidly from the fish's swim bladder.
(b) A device that is not hollow, such as a
				knife or an ice pick, is not a venting tool and may not be used as it would
				cause additional damage to a fish.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0035 - Size Limits: Amberjacks, Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, Grouper, Hogfish, Red Porgy, Snapper

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
No person shall land, possess, unnecessarily destroy,
				  purchase, exchange, sell or offer for sale any of the following species
				  harvested in or from state waters, of a length less than set forth as
				  follows:
(1) Amberjacks (measured in
				terms of fork length).
(a) Almaco jack
				harvested commercially from the Atlantic Ocean 20 inches.
(b) Banded rudderfish no less than 14 inches,
				no greater than 22 inches.
(c)
1. Greater amberjack harvested recreationally
				from the Atlantic Ocean 28 inches.
2. Greater amberjack harvested recreationally
				from the Gulf of Mexico 34 inches consistent with the Federal Standards
				established in 50 C.F.R. §622.37(c)(4) as of January 4, 2016.
3. Greater amberjack harvested from the Gulf
				of Mexico commercially 36 inches.
4. Greater amberjack harvested commercially
				from the Atlantic Ocean 34 inches.
(d) Lesser amberjack no less than 14 inches,
				no greater than 22 inches.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.00355 - Size Limits for Importation and Sale

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) No person shall possess for purposes of
				sale, purchase, sell, or exchange any of the following species of a length less
				than set forth as follows:
(a) Black sea bass
				10 inches total length.
(b) Greater
				amberjack 34 inches fork length.
(c) Gray triggerfish. 12 inches fork
				length.
(d) Grouper (measured in
				terms of total length).
1. Black grouper 24
				inches.
2. Gag 24 inches.
3. Red grouper 18 inches.
4. Scamp 16 inches.
5. Yellowfin grouper 20
				inches.
(e) Hogfish 14
				inches fork length (consistent with the Federal Standard established in 50
				C.F.R. §622.37(c)(2) as of August 24, 2017).
(f) Snapper (measured in terms of total
				length).
1. Cubera snapper 12
				inches.
2. Dog snapper 12
				inches.
3. Gray (mangrove) snapper
				12 inches.
4. Lane snapper 8
				inches.
5. Mahogany snapper 12
				inches.
6. Mutton snapper 18
				inches.
7. Red snapper 13
				inches.
8. Schoolmaster snapper 10
				inches.
9. Vermilion snapper 10
				inches.
10. Yellowtail snapper 12
				inches.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0038 - Recreational Snapper Seasons

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Red
				Snapper Open Seasons. Pursuant to Section
				120.81(5),
				F.S., the Commission shall give notice of red snapper open seasons for all
				waters of the Gulf of Mexico: electronically at:
www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/
.
(2) Red Snapper Closed Seasons. Except as
				provided elsewhere in this chapter, no recreational harvester shall harvest in
				or from state waters of the Gulf of Mexico, nor possess while in or on state
				waters of the Gulf of Mexico, any red snapper outside of the open season
				established by the procedure in subsection (1).
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 10-20-98, Formerly 46-14.0038, Amended 12-30-99,
					 3-12-09, 8-7-09, 10-16-09, 6-4-10, 10-8-10, 7-22-11, 7-6-12, 5-31-13, 10-31-13,
					 5-24-14, 5-23-15, 5-7-16, 5-23-17,
					 4-1-20.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0039 - Recreational Grouper and Tilefish Seasons

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) In all state waters of the Gulf of
				Mexico, except in all waters of Monroe County, the season for the recreational
				harvest and possession of gag grouper shall be September 1 through November 10
				each year. Except for persons harvesting gag grouper for commercial purposes
				pursuant to Rule 68B-14.0045, F.A.C., from
				November 11 through August 31, no person shall harvest in or from state waters
				of the Gulf of Mexico, except in all waters of Monroe County, nor possess while
				in or on state waters of the Gulf of Mexico, except in all waters of Monroe
				County, any gag grouper.
(2) In all
				state waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including all waters of Monroe County, the
				closed season for the recreational harvest and possession of gag grouper, black
				grouper, red grouper, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper, rock hind, red
				hind, scamp, coney, and graysby shall be from January 1 through April 30 each
				year.
(3) Goliath Grouper.
(a) Goliath Grouper Open Season. In all areas
				open to harvest of goliath grouper as provided in Rule
				68B-14.008, F.A.C., the open
				season for the recreational harvest of goliath grouper shall be March 1 through
				May 31 each year.
(b) Goliath
				Grouper Closed Season. No person shall harvest or land from Florida Waters a
				goliath grouper from June 1 through the last day of February of the following
				year. Except as provided in Rule
				68B-14.0091, F.A.C., no person
				shall possess a goliath grouper from June 1 through the last day of February of
				the following year.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.004 - Recreational Amberjack Season

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) In all
				state waters of the Gulf of Mexico the recreational harvest and possession of
				greater amberjack shall be prohibited November 1 through April 30 and June 1
				through July 31, each year (consistent with the Federal Standard established in
				50 C.F.R. §622.34(c) as of April 30, 2018).
(2) In all state waters of the Atlantic Ocean
				the recreational harvest and possession of greater amberjack shall be
				prohibited in the month of April, each year.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 6-17-11, Amended 4-30-18,
					 10-26-23.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0041 - Recreational Gulf Gray Triggerfish Season

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
In all state waters of the Gulf of Mexico the recreational
				  harvest and possession of gray triggerfish shall be prohibited January 1
				  through the end of February, and June 1 through July 31, each year (consistent
				  with the Federal Standard established in 50 C.F.R. §622.34(f) as of June
				  10, 2013).
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 6-10-13, Amended
					 1-16-18.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0042 - Recreational Hogfish Season

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Hogfish
				Open Seasons. In all state waters of the Atlantic Ocean and south of 25°09'
				North Latitude in the Gulf of Mexico, the season for the recreational harvest
				and possession of hogfish shall be May 1 through October 31 (consistent with
				the Federal Standard established in
				50 C.F.R. §
										622.183(b)(4) as of August
				24, 2017).
(2) Hogfish Closed
				Seasons. No recreational harvester shall harvest in or from state waters of the
				Atlantic Ocean and south of 25°09' North Latitude in the Gulf of Mexico,
				nor possess in or on state waters of the Atlantic Ocean and south of 25°09'
				North Latitude in the Gulf of Mexico, any hogfish from January 1 through April
				30 and November 1 through December 31 (consistent with the Federal Standard
				established in 50 C.F.R.
				§
										622.183(b)(4) as of
				August 24, 2017).
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 8-24-17, Amended
					 7-1-19.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0043 - Recreational Red Porgy Season

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Red Porgy
				Open Season. In all state waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the open season for the
				recreational harvest and possession of red porgy shall be May 1 through June 30
				each year (consistent with the Federal Standard established in 50 C.F.R.
				§622.183(b)(9) as of January 19, 2023).
(2) Red Porgy Closed Season. Except for
				persons harvesting red porgy for commercial purposes pursuant to Rule
				68B-14.0045, F.A.C., in all
				state waters of the Atlantic, the recreational harvest and possession of red
				porgy shall be prohibited from January 1 through April 30 and July 1 through
				December 31 each year (consistent with the Federal Standard established in 50
				C.F.R. §622.183(b)(9) as of January 19, 2023).
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.
New 4-1-23.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0045 - Commercial Harvest Requirements; Licenses, Season Closures, Bag and Trip Limits

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Licenses.
(a) Each person harvesting any of the species
				listed in subsection 68B-14.001(2),
				F.A.C., for commercial purposes in state waters shall possess a valid saltwater
				products license with a restricted species endorsement and:
1. If fishing in state waters of the Atlantic
				Ocean, either a valid transferable commercial permit or a trip-limited
				commercial permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper pursuant to 50 C.F.R.
				§622.170(a)(1) issued to and possessed aboard the vessel.
2. If fishing in state waters of the Gulf of
				Mexico, a valid commercial reef fish permit pursuant to 50 C.F.R.
				§622.20(a)(1) issued to and possessed aboard the vessel, except as
				provided in subparagraph 3.
3. For
				a person aboard a vessel, for which a commercial vessel permit for Gulf reef
				fish has been issued, to fish for, possess, or land red snapper, red grouper,
				gag grouper, black grouper, scamp, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper,
				yellowedge grouper, snowy grouper, goldface tilefish, blueline tilefish, and
				golden tilefish regardless where harvested or possessed, commercial individiual
				fishing quota (IFQ) regulations, as defined in Rule
				68B-14.0046, F.A.C., shall
				apply.
4. For a person to use a
				black sea bass trap in the Atlantic Ocean, a valid South Atlantic black sea
				bass pot endorsement as defined in 50 C.F.R. §622.4(a)(2)(xv) (as of
				January 22, 2013) and a valid commercial South Atlantic snapper-grouper
				unlimited permit must be issued to and possessed aboard the
				vessel.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.008 - Open and Closed Areas for Recreational Harvest of Goliath Grouper

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Open Areas - The areas open to the
				recreational harvest of goliath grouper include all Florida Waters of Nassau
				through St. Lucie counties, all Florida Waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Monroe
				County, and all Florida Waters of Collier through Escambia counties. excluding
				all waters of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries and excluding all waters
				within within Dry Tortugas National Park.
(2) Closed Areas - All Florida Waters of
				Martin through Miami-Dade counties, all Florida Waters of the Atlantic Ocean in
				Monroe County, all Florida Waters within Dry Tortugas National Park, and all
				Florida Waters of the St. Lucie River and its tributaries are closed to the
				recreational harvest of goliath grouper.
(a)
				No person shall harvest or land a goliath grouper from Florida Waters that are
				closed to the harvest of goliath grouper.
(b) No person shall possess a goliath grouper
				in or on Florida Waters that are closed to the harvest of goliath
				grouper.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.009 - Reporting Requirement

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
The purpose and intent of this rule is to improve
				  recreational harvest data collection capabilities for certain reef fish species
				  by identifying the population of anglers and vessels for hire fishing for these
				  species.
(1) Recreational harvesters
				are required to report their intention to harvest or attempt to harvest certain
				reef fish species annually. A recreational harvester may not harvest, attempt
				to harvest, or possess the following reef fish species while aboard a vessel in
				or on Florida Waters, unless that person has reported their intention to do so
				to the State Reef Fish Survey. Under Section
				379.401(1),
				F.S., failure to file reports required of persons who hold recreational
				licenses is a non-criminal infraction.
(a)
				Amberjacks.
1. Almaco jack.
2. Banded rudderfish.
3. Greater amberjack.
4. Lesser amberjack.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-14 - REEF FISH › Section 68B-14.0091 - Recreational Goliath Grouper Harvest Permits; Goliath Grouper Tag Specifications; Harvest Reporting Requirements

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1)
				No person shall harvest or land a goliath grouper from Florida Waters or
				possess a goliath grouper unless:
(a) Such
				person has been issued a recreational goliath grouper harvest permit pursuant
				to subsection (2);
(b) Such person
				has been issued a goliath grouper tag pursuant to subsection (3) and a valid
				goliath grouper tag is securely attached around the lower jawbone of the
				goliath grouper immediately upon harvest; and,
(c) Such harvest or possession is consistent
				with other applicable provisions of Chapter 68B-14, F.A.C.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-15 - STURGEON › Section 68B-15.001 - Sturgeon, Statewide (Repealed)

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 11-25-84, Formerly 46-15.01, 46-15.001, Repealed
					 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-15 - STURGEON › Section 68B-15.004 - Prohibited Take

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) A person may not
				harvest, take, harass, injure, or kill a sturgeon of the species
Acipenser oxyrinchus.
(2) This subsection will not be construed to
				prohibit unintentional injury of or contact with a sturgeon if it occurs in the
				course of normal fishing activities. A person who unintentionally catches a
				sturgeon shall immediately return the sturgeon to the water
				unharmed.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-16 - QUEEN CONCH › Section 68B-16.001 - Designation as a Protected Species

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
The queen conch, species
Aliger gigas
(formerly
Strombus gigas
), is hereby designated as a protected
				  species. The purposes of designation as a protected species are to increase
				  public awareness of the need for extensive conservation action in order to
				  prevent this resource from becoming endangered, to encourage voluntary
				  conservation practices, and to enlist the assistance of the general public in
				  enforcing the stringent measures imposed by this chapter.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 6-17-85, Amended 12-11-86, 1-1-91, 7-15-96, Formerly
					 46-16.001, Amended 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-16 - QUEEN CONCH › Section 68B-16.002 - Definitions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
"Queen conch" means a conch of the species
Aliger
				  gigas
(formerly
Strombus gigas
), or any part
				  thereof.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 6-17-85, Amended 6-21-90, Formerly 46-16.002, Amended
					 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-16 - QUEEN CONCH › Section 68B-16.003 - Queen Conch, Regulation (Repealed)

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 6-17-85, Amended 6-21-90, 7-15-96, Formerly 46-16.003,
					 Repealed 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-16 - QUEEN CONCH › Section 68B-16.004 - Harvest of Queen Conch Prohibited

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) A
				person may not harvest, kill, molest, harm or mutilate a queen conch within or
				without Florida Waters, or possess, transport or land a queen conch regardless
				of where harvested.
(2) A person
				may harvest a queen conch shell if the shell does not contain a live queen
				conch at the time of harvest and a live queen conch is not killed, mutilated,
				or removed from the shell prior to the harvest of the shell. A person may not
				possess within or without Florida Waters a queen conch shell that has an
				off-center hole larger than 1/16 inch in diameter through its spire.
(3) The presence of queen conch aboard a
				vessel in or on Florida Waters, while one or more persons from the vessel are
				overboard, constitutes prima facie evidence that the queen conch was harvested
				from Florida Waters in violation of this chapter.
(4) Rules
				68B-16.004 and 68B-16.0041,
				F.A.C., will not be construed to prohibit the unintentional capture of a queen
				conch in the course of another lawful fishing activity. A person who
				unintentionally catches a queen conch shall immediately return the queen conch
				to the water unharmed.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-16 - QUEEN CONCH › Section 68B-16.005 - Queen Conch, Regulation in Federal Waters Contiguous to Florida (Repealed)

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 12-11-86, Formerly 46-16.005, Repealed
					 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-16 - QUEEN CONCH › Section 68B-16.007 - Importation of Queen Conch

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
(1) Chapter
				68B-16, F.A.C. does not apply to a wholesale or retail dealer who is in
				possession of queen conch if the queen conch was lawfully harvested and
				imported from a country other than the United States.
(2) A wholesale or retail dealer in queen
				conch or products made from queen conch shells shall maintain the invoices,
				receipts, bills of sale, bills of lading, or other documentation affirmatively
				showing that all queen conch in the dealer's inventory were imported from a
				country other than the United States.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 9-1-13.
Florida Administrative Code › 68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION › 68B - Marine Fisheries › Chapter 68B-17 - HARD CLAMS › Section 68B-17.002 - Definitions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
"Hard clam" means any species of wild or feral hard clam of
				  the genus
Mercenaria
, or a part thereof.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law
					 Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla.
					 Const.
New 1-1-85, Formerly 46-17.02, Amended 4-11-94, 11-27-96,
					 Formerly 46-17.002, Amended 9-1-13.