TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John Titkanich Jr., County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Melissa Meisenburg, Sr. Lagoon Environmental Specialist
DATE: February 26, 2025
SUBJECT: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Manatee Speed Zone
Rule Review Committee Request
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BACKGROUND
The Manatee Sanctuary Act, F. S. 379.2431(2) authorizes the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to establish manatee protection rules. FWC establishes speed and vessel restrictions where necessary to protect manatees from vessel collisions and harassment.
The rule making process is outlined in Rule 68C-22 of the Florida Administrative Code. FWC initiates the evaluation process to determine if a new or amended rule may be warranted for the protection of manatees. The evaluation includes population density, manatee use, boating use, and waterway characteristics. Once a new or amended rule is needed, it must follow the rule making process required in the Administrative Procedures Act, the Manatee Sanctuary Act, and the Uniform Rules of Procedure related to rule making. The process to amend current rules is as follows:
1. Notify the affected county government that FWC is proposing new or amended manatee speed zones. The county has 60 days to form a Local Rule Review Committee (LRRC) to review the rule proposal and submit a written report for consideration. The LRRC consists equally of waterway users and environmental stakeholders.
2. FWC publicly announces the need for a new or amended rule for manatee protection purposes in the county.
3. FWC provides the preliminary rule proposal and data to the LRRC. The LRRC has 60 days to review and submit its report to FWC.
4. FWC reviews the LRRC report and prepares a response.
5. If FWC Commissioners decide rule making is needed, a public comment notice is published.
6. A final public...
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