The bill establishes new regulations regarding the labeling and certification of wild and farm-raised fish in Florida. It amends section 500.11 to classify wild and farm-raised fish as misbranded if they are not labeled according to the new requirements set forth in section 500.65. The bill creates the Florida Wild Fish and Seafood Certification Program under section 500.601, which mandates the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop standards for quality certification of Florida wild fish and seafood products. This includes establishing harvest requirements, compliance standards, and certification protocols. Additionally, fishermen and seafood dealers must apply for a participation permit to market their products as Florida wild fish or seafood.
Furthermore, the bill requires food establishments and public food service establishments to provide clear information about the country of origin and whether the fish is wild or farm-raised. This information must be displayed prominently on signs or menus, with specific size and placement requirements. The bill also introduces penalties for mislabeling wild and farm-raised fish, ensuring compliance with the new labeling standards. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.