Fla. Admin. Code R. 68B-8.013 (2026)

(1) No person shall use any gear or equipment to harvest a marine organism if the gear is not allowed by rule of the Commission, Chapter 379, F.S., or the Constitution of the State of Florida unless such person has first obtained authorization for such gear via an SAL or an exemption.

(2) The use of non-conforming gear may also be authorized under an SAL as follows:

(a) A Scientific Research SAL issued pursuant to Rule 68B-8.006, F.A.C., if the use of non-conforming gear is specifically requested in the application for the SAL and the use is justified.

(b) A Stock Collection and Release SAL issued pursuant to Rule 68B-8.010, F.A.C., for scientific research purposes if the use of non-conforming gear is specifically requested in the application for the SAL and the use is appropriate to the species and location.

(c) A Gear Innovation SAL, issued pursuant to Rule 68B-8.0131, F.A.C.

(d) A Governmental Purpose SAL, issued pursuant to Rule 68B-8.0132, F.A.C.

(e) A Governmental Purpose Gear Exemption, issued pursuant to Rule 68B-8.0132, F.A.C.

(f) A Nonprofit Corporation SAL, issued pursuant to Rule 68B-8.0133, F.A.C.

(3) If the proposed gear use includes an in-water set time, an SAL or exemption issued for non-conforming gear shall contain special gear marking or tending requirements so that the Commission may responsibly monitor gear use and ensure activities are restricted to the minimum amount necessary to achieve the stated purpose of the SAL or exemption.

(4) Exemption from the net gear restrictions set forth in Article X Section 16 of the Florida Constitution may be included only in a Scientific Research SAL, Stock Collection and Release SAL for scientific research purposes, Governmental Purpose SAL, or Governmental Purpose Gear Exemption.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 7-1-04, Amended 11-19-09, 5-19-25, 7-29-26.

Effective: 7/29/2026.