CS/HB 587 - Nonnative Animal Management

• Defines "pet dealer" as any person selling more than 20 animals per year to the public, including breeders selling directly to consumers.

• Establishes pilot program by Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to capture, contain, and eradicate priority invasive species (tegu lizards, red lionfish, common lionfish, and species listed in s. 379.372(2)(a)) from public lands and waters.

• Authorizes commission to contract with private entities to capture or destroy invasive animals on public lands and waters with owner consent, and requires documentation of all captures and geographic locations for research purposes.

• Requires pet dealers to implant nonnative animals specified by the commission with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags before selling or offering for sale, with commission adopting rules for tag standards and implantation methods.

• Mandates commission submit report on pilot program findings and recommendations to Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2020; bill effective July 1, 2017.