At its December meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved changes to the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program. These changes aim to improve the licensing process, accommodate additional activities, and update provisions for several license types.
The updates include general rule clarifications to remove outdated language, removing limits on the number of persons authorized under an SAL, and streamlining the FWC Law Enforcement notification process. Additionally, a third-party contractor may only be authorized on Scientific Research, Education/Exhibition, and Governmental Purpose SALs.
Further rule changes accommodate additional activities such as coral, oyster, and seagrass restoration. The maximum license periods for Scientific Research, Education/Exhibition, and Aquaculture Broodstock Collection SALs are extended. Eligibility requirements for Education/Exhibition, Aquaculture Broodstock Collection, and Stock Collection and Release SALs have been modified. The Dredge SAL has been repealed.
The updates to the Marine SAL program are being implemented in two phases. The recent changes conclude Phase I. Staff plan to present Phase II updates in 2025. Interested parties can submit recommendations for Phase II through MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or email them to Marine@MyFWC.com.
For more information about the December 2024 Commission Meeting presentation or details on the current marine SAL program, visit MyFWC.com/Commission or MyFWC.com/License.