Proposed Rule Development – Falconry

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is turning over the permitting responsibility for Falconry to states and tribal authorities.  The USFWS finalized changes to the federal regulations governing Falconry, which became effective on November 7, 2008.  As a result, states and tribes must certify to the USFWS that their regulations comply with the federal requirements and the USFWS must approve the certification.  Once the USFWS approves the certification, the federal permitting requirements will be eliminated for falconers residing in those states beginning January 1 the following year.  State regulations governing Falconry must meet the standards in the federal regulations by January 1, 2014, at which time the federal permit program will be discontinued.  Although, Florida already has established rules governing Falconry, some revision is required to meet federal guidelines, industry and constituency needs.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff will begin reviewing the current rule by conducting public workshops to which all interested persons are invited.  The purpose of the public meetings is to discuss possible changes to Rule 68A-9.005, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), regarding Falconry.  The workshops will provide a forum for the public to provide input for consideration on changes to the existing Falconry rule.

The current Florida regulation, Rule 68A-9.005, F.A.C., can be viewed at https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?title=MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS&ID=68A-9.005

The current federal regulations can be viewed at http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/2008/E8-23226.pdf

View a comparison of the current federal regulations to Florida's existing falconry regulations.

The FWC staff will conduct public workshops to solicit recommendations for potential changes.  Draft rule language will not be available until after the workshops are held.

Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing

Date: October 5, 2011
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Place: Ocala Police Department, 402 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34471
Download: Official Notice with Details

Date: October 19, 2011
Time: 6:30-8:00 PM EST (5:30-7:30 CST)
Place: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Regional Offices via Video Conference
Download: Official Notice with Details

Proposed Rule Change for 2012

68A-9.005, Falconry

A draft rule has not been created at this time.

Comment on this rule.