CS/CS/SB 884 — Shark Fins
by Appropriations Committee; Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; and Senator Hutson
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee (EP)
The bill (Chapter 2017-24, L.O.F.) prohibits possessing in or on the waters of the state a shark fin that has been separated from a shark or landing a separated shark fin (shark finning), unless such possession is authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or such fin has been lawfully obtained on land and prepared by taxidermy and is possessed for the purposes of display. The bill provides the following enhanced penalties for violations:
- For a first violation:
- A misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment or a $500 fine; and
- An administrative fine of $4,500 and a suspension of all the person’s license privileges for 180 days.
- For a second violation:
- A misdemeanor of the second degree punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment or a $500 fine; and
- An administrative fine of $9,500 and a suspension of all the person’s license privileges for 365 days.
- For a third or subsequent violation:
- A misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by up to one year imprisonment or a $1,000 fine; and
- An administrative fine of $9,500 and a permanent revocation of all the person’s license privileges.
These provisions were approved by the Governor and take effect on July 1, 2017.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 115-0