• protecting Florida's fish, wildlife, and habitats to ensure their long-term well-being;
• providing public safety;
• conducting search-and-rescue missions to protect the public statewide;
• enforcing laws to protect Florida's resources;
• ensuring compliance with fishing, hunting, and boating safety regulations;
• providing public safety in Florida's state parks;
• promoting safe boating;
• regulating and inspecting captive wildlife;
• supporting domestic and homeland security in Florida's ports; and
• conducting environmental crimes investigations.

Derelict Vessels. The 2023 Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-304, Laws of Florida, which authorized the commission or an officer of the commission, during a state of emergency, to immediately begin the process for abandoned or lost property. Once the process has been completed and 45 days has passed, any vessel that has not been removed or repaired such that it is no longer derelict may be removed and destroyed.

Venomous Reptiles. The 2023 Legislature enacted Ch. 2023-129, Laws of Florida, revising the violations and penalties for the unlawful purchase, sale, and importation of venomous reptile and the intentional or gross negligent escape of nonnative venomous reptiles to a third-degree felony. Level Four violations are punishable by up to five years imprisonment and up to a $5,000 fine.

Other Reports
2022 Boating Accident Statistical Report, 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

Colonel Roger Young, Director, Division of Law Enforcement, 850-488-6251, email: Roger.Young@myfwc.com
Website