FWC proposes changes to marine special activity license program

At its September meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed changes to improve the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program licensing process, accommodate additional requested activities and update provisions to several license types.

The proposed changes include:

• General rule updates and clarifications to remove outdated and unnecessary language.
• Removing limit on the number of persons authorized to operate under an SAL.
• Streamlining FWC Law Enforcement notification process for licensees.
• Specify that a third-party contractor may only be authorized on Scientific Research, Education/Exhibition and Governmental Purpose SALs.
• Rule changes to accommodate additional requested activities, including coral, oyster and seagrass restoration.
• Extending maximum license periods for Scientific Research, Education/Exhibition and Aquaculture Broodstock Collection SALs.
• Modifying eligibility requirements for Education/Exhibition, Aquaculture Broodstock Collection, and Stock Collection and Release SALs.
• Repealing the Dredge SAL.

Staff will continue to gather input on the proposed rules ahead of a planned final rule hearing at the December 2024 Commission meeting. Submit a public comment on the proposed updates to the Marine SAL program by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

The SAL rule is being updated in two phases. This proposed rule is part of Phase I. Staff plan to bring Phase II updates to the Marine SAL program before the Commission in 2025. We encourage all interested parties who would like additional changes to the SAL rule to submit recommendations for Phase II through MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or email them to [email protected].

For more information, including the September 2024 Commission Meeting presentation, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on "Commission Meetings".

For information on the current marine SAL program, visit MyFWC.com/License, click on "Saltwater Fishing Licenses" then "Other saltwater licenses and permits" and "Special Activity Licenses _ Marine Species."