CS/HB 7021 Summary

• Requires personal flotation devices be used in accordance with United States Coast Guard approval labels during water skiing, parasailing, aquaplaning, and operation of personal watercraft and certain vessels.

• Modifies tarpon tag program by changing validity period from January-December to July-June and removing requirements for tax collectors to submit unissued tags and individuals to submit landing information to the commission.

• Removes income criteria for restricted species endorsements on saltwater products licenses and authorizes citizen support organizations to receive contract compensation from the commission for fiscal and administrative services.

• Eliminates alligator hide validation tag requirements, removes commission authority to limit alligator harvesters and collection permit tags, and establishes fund transfers for alligator marketing and education services.

• Creates new penalties for feeding wildlife and freshwater fish, ranging from $100 civil penalty for first violation to felony of third degree for fourth or subsequent violation related to bears or alligators.