Today, in a signing ceremony at the Florida Capitol, Governor Jeb Bush signed HB 1313 which increases the penalty for flagrant illegal netting violations from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

“This is a major victory in the battle against blatant, illegal gillnetting,” said Michael Kennedy, CCA Florida Chairman. “CCA Florida is fully committed to getting major poachers off the water.”

“Controlling illegal netting is an agency priority,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “These increased penalties will be an essential element of our enforcement efforts.” The FWC Commission unanimously endorsed and supported the legislation.

HB 1313 was sponsored by Representative Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando). Senate sponsors were Senator Mike Haridopolos (R - Indialantic) and Senator Ken Pruitt (R - Port St. Lucie).

The new law creates a “flagrant violation” which is defined as a net with a mesh area larger than 2,000 sq. ft. or the use of a monofilament gill net. These flagrant violations become third-degree felonies for the first and subsequent offenses. In addition, there is a mandatory $5,000 civil penalty for the first “flagrant violation” and a suspension of all saltwater licenses for 12 months. For a second or subsequent violation, there is a mandatory $5,000 civil penalty and a lifetime revocation of all saltwater licenses as well as the forfeiture of all gear and equipment used in the violation.

The law will become effective July 1, 2004.