FL S1506

Exempts the Save the Manatee Trust Fund from the service charge assessed against state trust funds until July 1, 2026

Requires the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to contract with an independent party to conduct a study evaluating the effectiveness of manatee speed zones in reducing risks to manatees, with a report due to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2019

Mandates the commission to conduct a statewide manatee distribution and abundance survey by July 1, 2018, achieving a scientifically reliable population estimate

Authorizes the commission to repeat the statewide manatee distribution and abundance surveys as necessary until at least July 1, 2026 to determine best practices

Allows funds from the Save the Manatee Trust Fund to be appropriated for the speed zone study and population surveys when other funding sources are not available