8676764 , 68-5.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 8676764

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Chapter:

RULES RELATING TO NON-NATIVE SPECIES

Overview

RULE:

68-5.001	Purpose and Intent
68-5.002	Definitions
68-5.004	Conditional Non-Native Species

PURPOSE:

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) establish criteria for issuance and denial of research permits for conditional and prohibited species; (3) retain conditional and prohibited species status for any taxon that subsequently undergoes any taxonomic alterations, such as reclassifying into a different genus or splitting into subspecies; (4) change the status of the six reptile of concern species and their taxonomic successors to conditional species; (5) allow properly permitted recipients to legally accept unpermitted reptiles of concern and conditional reptiles at any time.
The effects of these rule changes will be stricter, more consistent regulations regarding the importation and possession of certain non-native species, conditional species and prohibited species; limit the possession of the current reptile of concern species and their taxonomic successors to permitted commercial businesses, researchers and public exhibitors and prohibit the future acquisition of these species for personal possession; allow reptiles of concern in personal possession on or before July 1, 2010 to remain with their owners for the rest of the animals’ lives, provided the owners maintain valid reptile of concern permits; and allow for properly permitted persons to accept unpermitted reptile of concern and conditional reptile species at any time. 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.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68-5.001, F.A.C. (Introduction of Non-native Species into the State) would be amended to codify eligibility requirements for issuance of research permits for conditional species, establish criteria for denial of research permits for conditional and prohibited species, establish criteria for issuance of public exhibition permits for prohibited species, establish the rules relating to the caging and transport of reptiles listed as conditional species and revise protocols for importation of leopard (Geochelone pardalis), African spurred (Geochelone sulcata) and Bell’s hingeback tortoises (Kinixys belliana). Rule 68-5.002, F.A.C. (Conditional Non-native species) would be amended to include the Indian or Burmese python (Python molurus), Northern African python (Python sebae), Southern African python (Python natalensis), Amethystine python (Morelia amethistinus), Scrub python (Morelia kinghorni), Black or Boelen’s python (Morelia boeleni), Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), and Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) as conditional species. Rule 68-5.003, F.A.C. (Prohibited Non-native Species) would be amended to address two incorrect rule references and a spelling error. Rule 68-5.004 F.A.C. (Amnesty for Persons Relinquishing Non-native Pets) would be amended to allow the transfer of unpermitted reptiles of concern and reptiles listed as conditional species to properly permitted recipients at any time of the year. Reptiles of concern in personal possession on or before July 1, 2010 will be allowed to remain with their owners for the rest of the animals’ lives, provided the owners maintain valid reptile of concern permits.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/21/2010 Vol. 36/20

COMMENTS:

From 5/21/2010 To 6/11/2010 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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