The bill, titled the "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regional Representation Act," amends Florida Statutes to enhance the structure and representation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It establishes that the commission will consist of seven members, with one member residing full-time in each of five designated regions of the state, while the remaining two members will serve as at-large representatives. The bill also introduces staggered terms of five years for all members and outlines the process for filling vacancies, ensuring that a regional vacancy cannot be filled by someone from the same region as an existing member. Additionally, the commission is authorized to define the geographic boundaries of these regions and must comply with these provisions during member appointments.
Furthermore, the bill revises the police powers of the commission and its agents, allowing them to enter private property under specific conditions similar to those of law enforcement officers. This includes the ability to enforce laws related to wildlife and natural resources across the state. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: H 1133 Filed: 379.102
H 1133 c1: 379.102
H 1133 c2: 379.102
H 1133 er: 379.102