Bill > H1171

This bill, titled the "Marine At-Risk Native Endangered or Threatened Animal Protection Act," creates a new law that prohibits the collection (meaning capturing, catching, removing, or possessing) and transportation of any marine animal species, including those listed as endangered or threatened under federal law or by Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), from state waters for educational or exhibition purposes. The FWC is also prohibited from issuing or renewing licenses that would allow such activities. Violating this new law is considered a Level Four violation, with each animal collected or transported in violation constituting a separate offense. The bill clarifies that this prohibition does not apply to authorized rescue, rehabilitation, or scientific study activities, nor does it limit federal authority under existing conservation laws. The bill also amends an existing law to include violations of this new act as Level Four violations and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1171