STORAGE NAME: h0843e.BUC
DATE: 4/9/2025
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FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
BILL ANALYSIS
This bill analysis was prepared by nonpartisan committee staff and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
BILL #: CS/HB 843
TITLE: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Trust
Funds
SPONSOR(S): Johnson, Overdorf
COMPANION BILL: CS/SB 388 (Rodriguez)
LINKED BILLS: None
RELATED BILLS: None
Committee References
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Budget
14 Y, 0 N, As CS
Natural Resources & Disasters
17 Y, 0 N
Budget
28 Y, 0 N
SUMMARY
Effect of the Bill:
The bill specifies that the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Grants and Donations Trust Fund may
be used for allowable grant and donor agreement activities regardless of the type of revenue.
The bill authorizes FWC to use the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund for law enforcement purposes. Finally, the bill
authorizes FWC to enter into cooperative agreements, voluntary agreements, or memoranda of understanding with
related agencies and private landowners to coordinate nongame programs.
Fiscal or Economic Impact:
None.
JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
ANALYSIS
EFFECT OF THE BILL:
The bill specifies that the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Grants and Donations Trust Fund may
be used for allowable grant and donor agreement activities regardless of the type of revenue. (Section 1)
The bill authorizes FWC to use the Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund for law enforcement purposes. Finally, the bill
authorizes FWC to enter into cooperative agreements, voluntary agreements, or memoranda of understanding
with related agencies and private landowners to coordinate nongame programs. (Section 2)
The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2025. (Section 3)
RELEVANT INFORMATION
SUBJECT OVERVIEW:
Grants and Donations Trust Fund
The Grants and Donations Trust Fund is used as a depository for funds to be disbursed for allowable grant and
donor agreement activities funded by restricted contractual and grant-related revenue. Moneys credited to the
fund include grants and donations from private and public nonfederal sources, development of regional impact
wildlife mitigation contributions, interest earnings, and cash advances from other trust funds.
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Section 379.206, F.S. JUMP TO SUMMARY ANALYSIS RELEVANT INFORMATION BILL HISTORY
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Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund
The Nongame Wildlife Trust Fund is credited with funds collected pursuant to s. 319.32(3), F.S., and 320.02(8), F.S.
Additional funds may be provided from legislative appropriations and by donations from interested individuals
and organizations. Proceeds from the trust fund must be used for the following purposes:
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Documentation of population trends of nongame wildlife and assessment of wildlife habitat, in
coordination with the database of Florida natural areas inventory.
Establishment of effective conservation, management, and regulatory programs for nongame wildlife of the
state.
Public education programs.
BILL HISTORY
COMMITTEE REFERENCE ACTION DATE
STAFF
DIRECTOR/
POLICY CHIEF
ANALYSIS
PREPARED BY
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Budget Subcommittee
14 Y, 0 N, As CS 3/25/2025 Topp Byrd
THE CHANGES ADOPTED BY THE
COMMITTEE:
The amendment removed section 1 and 2 relating to the Administrative Trust
Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund.
Natural Resources & Disasters
Subcommittee
17 Y, 0 N 4/1/2025 Moore Gawin
Budget Committee 28 Y, 0 N 4/8/2025 Pridgeon Byrd
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THIS BILL ANALYSIS HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCORPORATE ALL OF THE CHANGES DESCRIBED ABOVE.
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Section 379.209, F.S.