Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-5.007 - Skyway Fishing Pier State Park: Education Course Requirement; Gear Restrictions

(1) A person may not participate in fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park unless such person has first successfully completed within the previous 12 months a Commission-approved skyway fishing pier education course, as provided in paragraph (1)(b) and possesses verification of course completion while participating in fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

(a) A person under 16 years of age who has not successfully completed a Commission-approved skyway fishing pier education course as provided in paragraph (1)(b) may participate in fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park only if such person is fishing under the supervision of, and in the presence of, a person 16 years of age or older who has first successfully completed within the previous 12 months a Commission-approved skyway fishing pier education course as provided in paragraph (1)(b), and possesses verification of course completion.

(b) The Commission shall provide a skyway fishing pier education course, available at: https://learningmyfwc.remote-learner.net.

1. Instructions for completing the course are contained in a document titled "Skyway Fishing Pier Education Course Instructions, " Form DMFM-SFP01 (effective October 1, 2023), incorporated herein by reference and available at http://www.flrules.org/gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-16053, or from the Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600.

2. The Commission shall issue proof of completion to a person who has successfully completed a Commission-approved skyway fishing pier education course. Such proof of completion shall be valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.

(2) A person may not use more than two sets of hook and line gear at any time on or from Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

(3) The following gear restrictions apply within Skyway Fishing Pier State Park from November 15 through March 15 of the following year:

(a) A person may not use hook and line gear to which more than one hook is attached.

(b) A person may not use or possess any multiple hook.

(4) For purposes of this rule "Fishing" means:

(a) The catching, taking, or harvesting of a marine organism;

(b) The attempted catching, taking, or harvesting of a marine organism;

(c) Any other activity which can reasonably be expected to result in the catching, taking, or harvesting of a marine organism.

(5) The Commission shall review the Skyway Pier fishing regulations prior to October 1, 2025, and determine whether the regulations are appropriate or if they should be repealed or expanded.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-5.007

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.

Adopted by Florida Register Volume 49, Number 212, October 31, 2023 effective 10/1/2023.

New 11-16-23.