STATE OF FLORIDA
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Order No.  EO    12-12		    				Lionfish Harvest
 
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission of the State of Florida, acting under the authority of Article IV, Section 9, of the Florida Constitution, through its Executive Director under Delegations of Authority Paragraph 17 and Paragraph 22, hereby allows for harvest of invasive non-native lionfish without a fishing license under the following conditions:
 
1. A Florida recreational fishing license is not required for fishing for lionfish provided harvest is only with the following gear:
a. Pole spear
b. Hawaiian Sling
c. Other spearing device specifically designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish
d. Hand held net.

2. The harvest of lionfish with hook and line or as bycatch in other legal gear is permissible for commercial and recreational licensed or license-exempt persons.

3. Possession of more than 100 pounds of lionfish shall not be considered a commercial quantity as defined in s. 379.361(2)(i)1., F.S. There shall be no limit for recreational or commercial harvest for lionfish. 

4. This order does not allow for spearing in areas where spearing is prohibited.

5. This order shall go into effect upon execution and remain in effect for one year.


Specific Authority:					Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution 
Law Implemented:					Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution  
       and 120.81(5), Florida Statutes 
 
Effective Date:     					Upon execution. 

       Given under my hand and seal of the Florida 
       Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission  
       On this _3rd__ day of August 2012.
 

       _______________________________ 
							Nick Wiley, Executive Director

Attest: _________________________
        Agency Clerk