68B-32.004. Restrictions on Possession of Tarpon; Commercial Harvest Prohibited

(1) Except as provided in rule 68B-32.009, F.A.C., a person may not harvest or unnecessarily destroy a tarpon within or without Florida Waters. (2) Temporary Possession by a Recreational Harvester – (a) Except as provided in rule 68B-32.009, F.A.C. and paragraph (2)(b), a recreational harvester may not possess a tarpon within or without Florida Waters. (b) A person may temporarily possess a tarpon within or without Florida Waters only for the purposes of photography, measuring length and girth, and taking a scientific sample. 1. Except as provided in rule 68B-32.009, F.A.C. a recreational harvester who temporarily possesses a tarpon pursuant to this subsection shall release the tarpon alive and unharmed, immediately after photographing, measuring, or taking a scientific sample. 2. Except as provided in rule 68B-32.009, F.A.C. a recreational harvester who temporarily possesses a tarpon pursuant to this subsection shall release the tarpon in the immediate area where the tarpon was caught. (3) Except for tarpon harvested or possessed with the intent to submit that tarpon for state record or world record in accordance with subsection 68B-32.009(1), F.A.C. tarpon greater than 40 inches fork length may not be removed from the water. (4) Possession for Commercial Purposes Prohibited – A commercial harvester may not harvest or possess a tarpon within or without Florida Waters. Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 1-1-98, Formerly 46-32.004, Amended 3-28-04, 3-1-05, 9-1-13, 2-4-19.