Section 68E-9.001 - Introduction and Scope(1) It is the intent of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission pursuant to statutory authority under Section 379.249, F.S., to establish a program to provide grant funding and technical assistance to coastal local governments and nonprofit corporations qualified under section 501 (c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code for the development of artificial reefs and the monitoring and evaluation of their recreational, economic, and biological effectiveness in the predominantly marine waters of Florida and adjacent federal waters. The program is intended to accomplish the following objectives: 1) promote coordinated and effective efforts to develop artificial reefs;2) locally enhance fishery resources;3) increase hard bottom reef fish habitat where appropriate;4) increase saltwater fishing and diving opportunities, and5) facilitate artificial reef related research and monitoring.(2) The purpose of this rule is to govern the development of state and federally funded artificial reefs, the review and ranking of project applications eligible for funding, and the administration of funds from the Florida Artificial Reef Program.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68E-9.001
Rulemaking Authority Article IV, Section, 9 Fla. Const., 379.249 FS. Law Implemented Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution, 379.249 FS.