The proposed bill, titled the "Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regional Representation Act," aims to amend the structure and membership of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Florida. It establishes that the commission will consist of seven members, with one member residing full-time in each of the five designated regions of the state, while the remaining two members will be appointed 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 member's vacancy cannot be filled by someone from the same region as a sitting 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 amends the police powers of the commission and its agents, allowing them to enter private property in a manner similar to law enforcement officers for the performance of their duties. This includes the ability to enforce laws related to wildlife and aquatic life 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