FL H1117

Accredited zoos and aquariums operating in Florida may apply to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund or water management district governing boards to use state or district lands for wildlife research on ungulate and avian species.

Applications must include project principals and sponsors, funding sources, land size and location, detailed research descriptions, infrastructure needs, and plans for recovering escaped animals.

Projects involving carnivorous or primate mammalian species are prohibited.

Approval requires determination that the project is in the state's best interest, consistent with land management plans, and demonstrates potential positive economic impact on the state and surrounding communities.

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission must provide technical assistance in reviewing applications; the act takes effect July 1, 2012.