Reptile & Amphibian Forums

from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about workshops to get input on some new definitions and regulations? I got mine today and am planning to attend the local workshop. Gotta get my 2 cents in!

Anyone from S Florida going to the meeting at the Main Library in Ft Lauderdale?

Cheryl Bald

I guess I'll see you there. I'll be at the one in Ft. lauderdale as well.

Tanya Henning

I received the same letter yesterday also. I'm very nervous about what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is really trying to do; especially when there were no definitions of "reptiles of concern" and "captive wildlife" in their proposed rule changes.

For those who aren't in Florida or haven't received your letter yet, it appears that the state is proposing rule changes (instead of legislation, they are proposing administrative rules that have the power of law) to "develop and maintain the best regulations possible that provide for public safety, animal welfare and the legitimate use of wildlife for personal, educational or exhibition purposes." I'm always hesitant when a state agency is trying to "protect" the public.

I urge everyone in the ball python world in Florida to attend one of the public hearings or submit written comments. It would be great if we had someone speaking at each of the 5 public hearings around the state.

It is a very quick turnaround, workshops are the week of 8/21 and written comments are being accepted until 9/13.
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Alice Cobb

Alice, do you know where the meeting is for the Orlando area and what the date and time of the meeting will be. I would like to be there to hear what they have to say.

would be in Tampa

It's on August 23 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Tampa Port Authority, 1101 Channelside Dr, 1st floor Board Room, Tampa FL 33602

Cheryl

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Thanks Cheryl,
I'm gonna try to make the Tampa one. We have to represent guys.
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Jesse Jeffcoat
Gopher Hill Herps

Got mine yesterday. I'll be out of town for the one near me but plan to send a letter.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

I haven't got a letter. Could you guys post info EX. address and topic or other place where they're meeting. I would love to voice my opinion or write a letter.
Thanks
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Jesse Jeffcoat
Gopher Hill Herps

There are workshops in Gainesville, Tampa, Ft Lauderdale, Pensacola, and Tallahassee.

from the letter, parts concerning reptiles:
A synopsis of the proposed rule changes include:
Establishes a definition for: "captive wildlife", "critical incident", "natural disaster", "reptiles of concern", and "venomous reptiles".

Addresses minimum land-area requirements and facility requirements for new facilities housing Class I or Class II wildlife

Requires the developement of a Natural disaster plan or Critical incident plan for all permitees authorized to pocess captive wildlife, venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern

Consolidates and clarifies caging requirements for reptiles

Establishes minimum caging requirements for large constrictor snakes.

Consolidates regulations pretaining to the possession and housing of venomous reptiles in captivity and places them with other regulations pertaining to captive wildlife found in rule 68A-6, Florida Wildlife Code (F.A.C.)

I tried not to have any typos, but if there are any it wasn't intentional.

Cheryl Bald

N/P
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Ron Billingsley
www.ronbillingsleyreptiles.com

I know its a slight inconvenience To all us herpers in Fl especially being the week after Daytona But PLease I urge you and your friends to attend. There is a lot at stake here for our hobby.
Dont think for a minute that just because you do not have Spp on the list of (Species of concern) that this will not affect you. They are also going to try to establish proper caging guidelines..Ie size construction etc. If you have a ball or another Spp. that likes a little cage....Dont forget to attend
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Michael Cole
Ballroom Pythons South
863-439-3015
WWW.BallroomPythonsSouth.com