The Florida Senate

372.99022  Illegal molestation of or theft from freshwater fishing gear.--

(1)(a)  Any person, firm, or corporation that willfully molests any authorized and lawfully permitted freshwater fishing gear belonging to another without the express written consent of the owner commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084 Any written consent must be available for immediate inspection.

(b)  Any person, firm, or corporation that willfully removes the contents of any authorized and lawfully permitted freshwater fishing gear belonging to another without the express written consent of the owner commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084 Any written consent must be available for immediate inspection.

A person, firm, or corporation that receives a citation for a violation of this subsection is prohibited, immediately upon receipt of such citation and until adjudicated or convicted of a felony under this subsection, from transferring any endorsements.

(2)  Any person, firm, or corporation convicted pursuant to subsection (1) of removing the contents of freshwater fishing gear without the express written consent of the owner shall permanently lose all of his or her freshwater and saltwater fishing privileges, including his or her recreational and commercial licenses and endorsements, and shall be assessed an administrative penalty of not more than $5,000. The endorsements of such person, firm, or corporation are not transferable.

(3)  For purposes of this section, the term "freshwater fishing gear" means haul seines, slat baskets, wire traps, hoop nets, or pound nets, and includes the lines or buoys attached thereto.

History.--s. 11, ch. 2002-264.