The bill titled "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regional Representation Act" aims to amend the structure and governance of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Florida. It establishes that the executive director of the commission will serve as the chair, and it revises the commission's membership to include seven members appointed by the Governor, with staggered terms of five years. The bill mandates that one member must reside full-time in each of the five designated regions of the state, while two additional members will be appointed at-large to represent the state as a whole. The commission is also authorized to define the geographic boundaries of these regions, and the current composition of the commission will remain unchanged until existing terms expire, except in cases of vacancies.

Additionally, the bill amends the police powers of the commission and its agents, specifically prohibiting them from entering private land without a warrant. This change emphasizes the protection of private property rights while allowing commission officers to perform their duties on public lands. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1133 Filed: 379.102