FL S0688

Creates s. 379.4041, F.S. to prohibit the illegal taking, possession, and sale of bears, with exceptions for those acting under Florida Administrative Code rule 68A-4.009

Establishes that taking or possessing a freshly killed bear during closed season is a Level Three violation with forfeiture of hunting licenses or permits for 3 years; subsequent offenses result in permanent ineligibility for any license or permit

Designates possession for sale or selling of illegally taken bears as a Level Four violation

Adds the new bear provisions to the existing penalty structure in s. 379.401, F.S., aligning bear violations with penalties for deer and wild turkey violations

Effective date: July 1, 2020