Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-58.004 - Bag and Vessel Limits; Exceptions for Commercial Harvest

(1) Recreational Limits -

(a) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), a recreational harvester may not harvest or land from Florida Waters more than one swordfish per day or possess in or on Florida Waters more than one swordfish (consistent with the Federal Standard established in 50 C.F.R. §635.22(f) as of September 20, 2013).

(b) Private Vessel Limit - The persons aboard a private vessel in or on Florida Waters may not collectively possess more than four swordfish, regardless of the number of licensed or license-exempt persons onboard. This provision will not be construed to authorize harvest or possession of swordfish in excess of the applicable bag limits.

(c) Vessel for Hire Limit - Possession of more than the daily bag limit of swordfish multiplied by the number of customers fishing, or 15 swordfish, whichever is less, aboard any vessel for hire is prohibited. This provision will not be construed to authorize harvest or possession of swordfish in excess of the applicable bag limits.

(2) Captain and Crew Harvest Prohibited - On a vessel for hire, a person who is the captain or a crew member may not harvest or possess a swordfish.

(3) Commercial Limits -

(a) The bag and vessel limits established in subsection (1), do not apply to a person who is harvesting pursuant to a saltwater products license, restricted species endorsement, and either a federal Limited Access Permit (LAP) for swordfish, valid federal Swordfish General Commercial permit, or valid federal HMS Charter/Headboat permit (when not carrying passengers as a vessel for hire) issued pursuant to 50 C.F.R. 635.4(f) (as of September 20, 2013).

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-58.004

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

New 9-1-13, Amended 2-13-14.

New 9-1-13, Amended 2-13-14.