FL H1055

Creates the "Florida Black Bear Habitat Restoration Act" establishing section 379.3018, F.S., to coordinate efforts among the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Department of Environmental Protection to protect Florida black bear habitat and reduce human-bear conflicts.

Establishes a Bear-Resistant Garbage Container Account within the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund with at least $50 million appropriation to provide low-interest loans to county and municipal governments for purchasing bear-resistant garbage containers in human-bear conflict areas.

Prohibits harvesting of saw palmetto berries and sale of timber rights to acorn-producing oak trees on state lands designated as Florida black bear habitat.

Requires burn schedules for state forests and parks containing bear habitat to be adjusted to allow regrowth of oak trees, saw palmettos, and other berry-producing plants to provide natural food sources and reduce bears entering residential areas.

Directs the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to establish designation standards by July 1, 2017, and by February 1, 2018, to identify all state lands containing bear habitat and human-bear conflict areas, with designations reviewed and revised by coordinating agencies at least every 3 years and posted on the commission website.