This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to trust funds for wildlife management, specifically focusing on the Administrative Trust Fund, the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund, the Grants and Donations Trust Fund, and the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund. Key changes include authorizing the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to invest and reinvest funds and interest from the Administrative Trust Fund, ensuring that any remaining balance at the end of the fiscal year stays in the fund. Additionally, the bill revises the purposes for which the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund can be used, including new provisions for research on feline diseases and acquiring lands for panther habitat.

Furthermore, the bill removes the requirement for the commission to designate a specific unit to administer the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund, allowing for more flexibility in fund management. It also expands the permissible uses of the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund to include law enforcement and establishes the ability for the commission to enter into agreements with private landowners. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 388 Filed: 379.201, 379.206