• coordinating nonnative species management and research to protect native species in Florida, focusing on prevention, early detection, and rapid response to introductions of nonnative species;
• developing and implementing species management plans for managing threatened species and implementing conservation programs that are designed to maintain Florida's unique wildlife diversity;
• directing, regulating, and distributing funds for the control of invasive plants on public conservation lands and in public water bodies for the protection of native plant and animal life, human health, safety, recreation, and property;
• implementing conservation programs for threatened species such as manatees, Florida panthers, and sea turtles to increase populations of these species;
• managing aquatic habitat for freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems to benefit the widest possible array of fish and wildlife;
• managing natural plant communities on public lands for diversity of wildlife species while providing quality recreational experiences;
• providing support and assistance for habitat-related issues to private and public sector landowners to inform and influence land and water use decisions affecting wildlife habitat management; and
• working in partnership with landowners to provide habitat for a diversity of species.

Endangered and Threatened Species Management. The commission and its partners are currently implementing Florida's threatened species management system. The system includes the Imperiled Species Management Plan, which contains Species Action Plans and provides regulatory and conservation information for 60 species. In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, the Imperiled Species Management Plan was updated to include the striped newt, which was listed as State-Threatened. The commission approved a final Species Action Plan and Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines for the striped newt at its December 2022 meeting. In addition, the commission approved draft Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines for four other species and received three species evaluation requests during Fiscal Year 2022-23.

Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Management. In February 2021, the commission began exploring a regulatory approach that identifies low-risk species for minimal regulation and places the burden of proving low-risk on those entities that benefit from the sale and use of nonnative species. Because this conservation issue affects a variety of interests across the state, the Nonnative Fish and Wildlife Technical Assistance Group (NFW TAG) was developed to provide robust and essential stakeholder input. The NFW TAG promotes the ongoing dialogue and mutual understanding among organizations, agencies, and their respective stakeholders regarding management of nonnative fish and wildlife in Florida. Members of the NFW TAG consist of stakeholder representatives from the pet industry, aquaculture and aquarium trade, terrestrial pet hobbyists, large- and small-scale exhibitors, humane interests, environmental interests, researchers, and local, state, and federal governments. While this group is not an advisory committee, nor is it delegated any decision-making authority, the members provide input to the commission on concerns and potential concepts regarding alternative regulatory structures for managing nonnative fish and wildlife in Florida.

Other Reports
Fiscal Year 2021-22 Progress Report: Endangered and Threatened Species Management and Conservation Plan, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, February 2022
Annual Report of Activities Conducted Under the Cooperative Aquatic Plant Control Program in Florida Public Waters for Fiscal Year 2021-22, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Save the Manatee Trust Fund Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Websites of Interest
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Inspector General
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Research Publications
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Strategic Plan
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Performance Information

Melissa Tucker, Habitat and Species Conservation, 850-488-3831, email: melissa.tucker@myfwc.com
Website