SB 168 — Nonnative Animals
by Senator Steube
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 requires the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to establish a pilot program to mitigate the impact of priority invasive species on public lands or waters of the state. The bill defines the term “priority invasive species” to include:
- Lizards of the genus Tupinambis, also known as tegu lizards;
- Species identified in s. 379.372(2)(a), F.S., relating to conditional or prohibited reptiles;
- Pterois volitans, also known as red lionfish; and
- Pterois miles, also known as the common lionfish or devil firefish.
The FWC is required to submit a report of findings and recommendations regarding its implementation of the pilot program to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 2021.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2018
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 117-0