1. (1) No entity shall establish or maintain a commercial or private hunting preserve to allow the introduction or possession of captive-reared native and nonnative game animals, as specified herein, unless permitted pursuant to Section 379.3712, F.S., and in accordance with this chapter. No initial commercial or private hunting preserve permit shall be issued until the premises of such preserve has been inspected by a representative of the Commission and the requirements of this rule have been met. Sale or transfer of game animals from a hunting preserve is authorized and shall comply with records requirements outlined in subsection (16) below. In addition, any person selling or conducting intrastate transfer of deer, elk, or other members of the family Cervidae shall comply with Rule 68A-4.0051, F.A.C., regarding transportation and record keeping requirements. Native or non-native game animals held under the authority of a hunting preserve permit shall not be released from the preserve into the wild at any time.

2. (2) Definitions: For the purposes of this rule, the following shall be defined as:

   1. (a) Commercial hunting preserve – a preserve operated exclusively for commercial purposes, which is open to the public, for which a uniform fee is charged to patrons for hunting privileges. Hunters taking any game on a permitted commercial hunting preserve shall be exempt from licensure requirements, pursuant to Section 379.3712(2), F.S.
   2. (b) Dissolve – the legal process of winding down and officially closing an entity or organization, involving the cessation of all permitted activities, including possession of wildlife.
   3. (c) Employee – any hired or contracted person who works or performs services, or serves as an agent, for a permitee or at a permitted facility, whether paid or unpaid.
   4. (d) Herbaceous vegetation – predominantly grasses, grass-like plants, or forbs capable of being grazed.
   5. (e) Hunting preserve - includes any area set aside by a commercial or private entity on which captive-reared native or non-native game birds or game mammals of the families Cervidae, Suidae, and Bovidae may be released or bred for the primary purpose of take.
   6. (f) Nest box or den – an enclosed shelter that provides a retreat area within, attached to, or adjacent to a cage or enclosure of specified size, which shall provide protection from the elements and from extremes in temperature that are detrimental to the health and welfare of the animal.
   7. (g) Paddocks – open-air areas enclosed by fencing, railing or other Commission-approved structures which contains and allows animals to graze and/or browse.
   8. (h) Predator barrier – supplemental materials added to the bottom and/or exterior of approved fencing to prevent entry of predators. Barriers may include but are not limited to buried fence wire, electrified fence wire, gravel, rocks, concrete, or other natural/manmade materials.
   9. (i) Private hunting preserve – a preserve operated for both commercial and private purposes which may or may not be open to the public. Anyone hunting on the preserve shall have all appropriate hunting licenses and any applicable endorsements, as provided in Section 379.354, F.S.
   10. (j) Preserve – refers to both commercial hunting preserves and private hunting preserves.
   11. (k) Refusal – when a permitee, applicant or employee intentionally denies access by Commission personnel to the facility, inventory or facility’s records for the purposes of inspection, or directs another to deny such access.
   12. (l) Tame game mammal – does not exhibit the fight or flight characteristics or normal behavioral characteristics for the species when found in the wild.
   13. (m) Tolling – to lead animals outside of an enclosure using a trail of bait.
   14. (n) Water gap structure – materials utilized in areas containing or likely to contain flowing water in order to allow water and debris to move freely through the section of fence affected by the flowing water so as to maintain the integrity of the fence.
   15. (o) Woody vegetation – Perennial trees, shrubs, or woody vines that persists above ground all year long.

3. (3) General qualifications: Permitees or applicants for a commercial or private preserve permit shall:

   1. (a) Be at least 18 years of age.
   2. (b) Make reasonable efforts to flush all wild native game species out of the intended preserve area prior to completion of the perimeter fence. Reasonable efforts shall include but not be limited to tolling, baiting, and driving.
   3. (c) Not have refused any captive wildlife inspection within three years of the date of application.
   4. (d) Not have been convicted of any violation of game farm, hunt preserve, or captive wildlife regulations involving unsafe housing of wildlife or any violation which potentially endangers the public; any violation involving the unlawful commercialization of wildlife; any violation involving cruelty, maltreatment or neglect to animals; or any violation involving importation of wildlife within three years of the date of application.
   5. (e) Meet the experience requirements for Class I Bovidae authorization and submit required documentation, as outlined in Rule 68A-6.004, F.A.C., if seeking authorization to possess such Class I Bovidae.
   6. (f) Experience requirements shall not apply to applicants for permits to possess Class II Bovidae on a hunting preserve permit issued in accordance with Sections 379.3711 and 379.3712, F.S. Experience gained with Class II Bovidae authorized on a hunting preserve permit, while exempt from experience requirements pursuant to this paragraph, shall not satisfy the requirements of Rule 68A-6.004, F.A.C., unless the applicant has substantial practical experience with such Class II Bovidae for a minimum of 5 consecutive years and meets the experience documentation requirements outlined in 68A-6.004, F.A.C.

4. (4) Permit application requirements: An applicant shall make application to the Commission by submitting the online application through http://www.GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. The applicant for a preserve permit shall provide the following information:

   1. (a) The applicant’s legal name, date of birth, and contact information to include personal phone number, business phone number, and email address, if any.
   2. (b) To be permitted as a business, in addition to paragraph (a), the applicant shall provide the name of the business and the business shall be currently registered through the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
   3. (c) The complete mailing address to include city, state, and zip code for the applicant/business.
   4. (d) The complete facility address where the preserve is located to include city, state, parcel number(s), and zip code. If the address is a rural route, the applicant shall provide directions to the entrance of the preserve.
   5. (e) Whether the facility is owned or leased by the applicant. A copy of the valid and current lease agreement shall be submitted with the application in the event that the facility location is under lease to the applicant. If leased, the lease agreement shall be for a term sufficient to cover the term of the permit.
   6. (f) The county or counties where the preserve is located and the size (in acres) of the area to be fenced and utilized for the hunting preserve.
   7. (g) The current estimated inventory of game possessed, identified by species and quantity. If no inventory of game is currently possessed, then the planned inventory shall be provided, identified by species.
   8. (h) The applicant’s driver’s license number/ID number and a copy of the applicant’s valid government-issued photo ID.
   9. (i) Indication of whether the preserve is operated for private or commercial purposes.
   10. (j) Indication of whether the application is for a commercial hunting preserve permit or private hunting preserve permit.
   11. (k) Emergency contact information including name and phone number for an individual who is not the permitee or applicant.
   12. (l) The applicant’s acknowledgement that the information provided in the application is true, accurate, and complete.
5. (5) Any corporation authorized to do business in Florida may apply for preserve permit. For corporations authorized to possess Class I Bovidae, such corporation shall have qualified personnel responsible for the care of such wildlife. The corporation shall provide documentation of experience for at least one person in accordance with Rule 68A-6.004, F.A.C. Such documentation of experience shall be submitted to the Commission and shall be subject to approval upon initial application and upon each instance of change in qualified personnel. Such qualified person shall be an employee of the permitted corporation.
6. (6) Permittees shall be responsible for any hunting preserve or game farm violation(s) occurring at their facility or committed by their employees.

7. (7) A preserve shall be owned or leased by the applicant. For the hunting of game mammals, the land shall be located wholly within a legally fenced tract. The boundaries of all preserves shall be posted with signs bearing the words “Licensed Hunting Preserve” or “Permitted Hunting Preserve” which shall be placed at intervals of not more than 500 feet and be easily visible from any point of ingress or egress. Lettering on such signs shall be no less than 2 inches in height. No preserve shall be located within one mile of any wildlife management area, refuge or park established by state or federal law or regulation unless:

   1. (a) The owner or manager of the affected refuge or park has been notified of the application for operation of a commercial or private hunting reserve and has been given the opportunity to submit comments or recommendations regarding the application;
   2. (b) The operation of such preserve does not conflict with the management objectives of the affected wildlife management area, refuge or park as determined by the Commission;
   3. (c) The proposed preserve poses no significant adverse impacts to wildlife or public safety on the affected wildlife management area, refuge or park as determined by the Commission.

8. (8) All laws, rules, or regulations pertaining to hunting or pertaining to game shall apply on all preserves except as follows:

   1. (a) The taking of carnivorous animals or other captive wildlife not provided herein is prohibited on preserves, except for nuisance wildlife which may be taken as provided in Rule 68A-9.010, F.A.C. Only the following shall be taken on hunting preserves: captive-reared game mammals of the families: Cervidae, Suidae, Bovidae; game mammals native to Florida; and game birds.
   2. (b) The hunting of game animals that were produced, raised, or held under a permit issued under sections 379.3761 or 379.3762, F.S., tame game mammals, or domesticated species is prohibited.
   3. (c) Game mammals shall not be taken on preserves while boxed or caged and shall be taken only in accordance with the conditions and methods outlined below.
   4. (d) Open season for taking captive-reared native game birds shall be from October 1 through April 20. Captive-reared white-tailed deer of either sex may be taken from August 1 through March 1. Non-native game mammals and non-native game birds may be taken year-round on permitted preserves.
   5. (e) Take of native non-captive-reared wild game naturally occurring on the preserve or originating from outside the preserve shall be in compliance with the established open season, bag limits, and licensing requirements for the species in the zone wherein the preserve is located.
   6. (f) The method of take for all game shall be as specified by Rule 68A-12.002, F.A.C. All authorized methods of take shall be permitted for the entirety of the allowed seasons specified in paragraph (d) above.
   7. (g) The hunting of Cervidae or Bovidae with dogs is prohibited; however, a leashed dog shall be allowed for trailing wounded game.
   8. (h) Motorized vehicles shall not be used to drive game mammals during any hunting activity, nor shall game mammals be taken from moving motorized vehicles.
   9. (i) No person shall take by firearm any game mammals while the person is within 50 yards of a supplemental feeding station, except for the permittee or their employees.
   10. (j) No captive-reared waterfowl or captive-reared turkeys shall be released or hunted on preserves.
   11. (k) No wild turkeys or wild waterfowl shall be taken over baited-areas, nor during the closed season prescribed by the Commission for the region in which the preserve is located.
   12. (l) Commission rules prohibiting the taking of game birds over live decoys or bait shall not apply when properly identified captive-reared game birds are being taken.
   13. (m) There shall be no bag limit for captive-reared game taken on preserves.
   14. (n) Game may be trapped on the premises of a preserve for the purposes of veterinary care or sale, provided that any animal unintentionally trapped in such operation shall be immediately released.
   15. (o) Captive-reared game harvested on hunting preserves shall be exempt from tagging and harvest reporting requirements outlined in Rule 68A-12.003, F.A.C.

9. (9) Facility requirements:

   1. (a) Cervidae (deer family) shall be free-roaming on not less than 200 acres, with a minimum of 100 acres covered with woody vegetation. For each additional acre over the initial 200 acres, 10% of the additional acreage shall be covered with woody vegetation. Up to 20% of acreage can include land that formerly had woody vegetation, which will be naturally or artificially regenerated within two years of harvest. The preserve shall be completely enclosed with a perimeter fence which meets the following criteria:

      1. Fence construction materials shall consist of not less than 12.5-gauge high-tensile class III galvanized steel wire with fixed knots or strength-equivalent material, and shall be attached to posts at no less than 5 equidistant locations with clips, staples, ties or other means used to connect fencing to posts that are a minimum of 14.5 gauge or strength equivalent material.

      2. Fence shall be no less than 8 feet in height unless specified elsewhere. Fences may be installed up to 3 inches above the ground, provided that a strand of high-tensile barbed wire not less than 15.5 gauge is strung across the bottom. In addition, 1 strand of high-tensile barbed wire not less than 15.5 gauge may be strung no higher than 6 inches above the fence panel in order to achieve the 8-foot height requirements. Permitees shall maintain minimum fence height by leveling built up earthen material which has migrated to the base of the fence due to natural causes.

      3. Fence(s) shall be constructed of commercially manufactured single panels of fencing material, except as otherwise specified. Such fencing material shall be attached to singular construction posts no greater than 25 feet apart in a manner that ensures the fence maintains an above ground 8-foot vertical height, unless specified elsewhere, so as to prevent escape. The posts will be securely anchored and braced in corners and elsewhere as necessary to keep fence properly stretched and erect.

      4. Fencing material shall have no greater than 7 inches between manufactured knots and be free of broken wires or gaps.

   2. (b) Bovidae shall be free-roaming on not less than 300 acres, with a minimum of 200 acres covered with herbaceous vegetation, except blackbuck which shall be free roaming on not less than 200 acres, with a minimum of 100 acres covered with herbaceous vegetation. For each additional acre over the initial 300/200 acres, 10% of the additional acreage shall be covered with herbaceous vegetation. The preserve shall be completely enclosed with a perimeter fence which meets the requirements of subparagraphs 68A-12.010(9)(a)1.-4., above. Fencing for Class I Bovidae shall meet the requirements of subsection 68A-6.011(3), F.A.C.

   3. (c) Suidae shall be free-roaming on not less than 100 acres, with a minimum of 50 acres covered with woody vegetation. For hunting hogs with dogs, the area shall be a minimum of 300 acres, with 200 acres covered with woody vegetation. For each additional acre over the initial 100 acres, 10% of the additional acreage shall be covered with woody vegetation. Up to 20% of acreage can include land that formerly had woody vegetation, which will be naturally or artificially regenerated within two years of harvest. The preserve shall be completely enclosed with a perimeter fence that meets the following criteria:

      1. Fence construction materials shall consist of not less than 12.5-gauge high-tensile class III galvanized steel wire with fixed knots or strength-equivalent material, and shall be attached to posts at no less than 3 equidistant locations with clips, staples, ties or other means used to connect fencing to posts that are a minimum of 14.5 gauge or strength equivalent material.

      2. Fence shall be no less than 4 feet in height.

      3. Fence(s) shall be constructed commercially manufactured single panels of fencing material, except as otherwise specified. Such fencing material shall be attached to singular construction posts in a manner that ensures the fence maintains a 4-foot vertical height and prevents escape. The posts will be securely anchored and braced in corners and elsewhere to keep fence properly stretched and erect.

      4. Fencing material shall have no greater than 7 inches between manufactured knots and be free of broken wires or gaps.

   4. (d) Hunt preserves with permits which are current on November 22, 2018 will have two years from November 22, 2018 to come into compliance with the above fencing requirement unless they meet the limited exception conditions below. Hunt preserves with permits which are current on November 22, 2018 that meet the specifications below do not need to update their fencing except for new construction or with replacement of over 250 feet of existing fencing.

      1. Existing fence is a minimum of 14.5 gauge steel wire or strength-equivalent material.

      2. Fence shall be no less than 8 feet in height. One strand of barbed wire not less than 15.5 gauge may be strung no higher than 6 inches above the fence panel in order to achieve the 8-foot height requirement.

      3. Fencing material is attached to singular construction posts no greater than 25 feet apart in a manner that ensures the fence maintains an above ground 8-foot vertical height, unless specified differently elsewhere, so as to prevent escape. The posts shall be securely anchored and braced at corners and elsewhere as necessary to keep fence properly stretched and erect.

      4. Fencing material shall have no greater than 8 inches between manufactured knots and be free of broken wires or gaps.

      5. Facilities with hunt preserve permits current on November 22, 2018 which have fencing that is not constructed of commercially manufactured single panels of steel wire mesh shall not be required to replace existing panels with commercially manufactured single panels, provided that the existing fencing meets the following specifications:

      a. Panels are a minimum of 14.5 gauge wire or strength-equivalent material.

      b. Posts are securely anchored and braced at corners and elsewhere as necessary to keep fence properly stretched and erect so as to prevent any gaps greater than 8 inches between the panels.

      c. Panels are connected with strength-equivalent material or stronger at intervals that prevent gaps that could allow captive game mammals to escape.

   5. (e) The minimum acreage provisions of paragraphs (9)(a)-(c) and the yardage requirement in paragraph (8)(i), shall not apply to those operations permitted prior to July 1, 1996.
   6. (f) Game animals held under a hunting preserve permit shall not be commingled in the same enclosure with game animals held under a game farm permit, except as authorized in (g) below.
   7. (g) Game mammals may be kept in small enclosures or commingled with game farm animals only for the purpose of veterinary care or transportation and shall not be hunted on the same day of transport or release into a permitted preserve.
   8. (h) Perimeter gates shall maintain the required height for the species held within and shall be constructed of no less than 12.5-gauge steel wire or strength equivalent material. The bottom of all perimeter gates shall be no more than 6 inches from the ground. A perimeter gate shall be no more than 50 feet in width. Perimeter gates shall remain closed when not actively being used for ingress or egress. Perimeter gates shall be secured when closed so gaps greater than 8 inches do not occur at any time.
   9. (i) Predator barriers, if utilized, shall not disrupt the integrity of the approved fence material. Mounding type predator barriers shall not extend outward from the base of the perimeter fence more than 28 inches and not higher than 20 inches from the ground. Predator barriers shall not provide increased accessibility for non-predator species into fenced enclosure.

   10. (j) Water gap structures, if utilized, shall meet the following criteria:

       1. Water gap structures shall be constructed and maintained in a manner and condition to prevent escape of captive-reared game maintained on the preserve or entry of native wild game.

       2. Water gap structures shall only be utilized in areas containing or likely to contain flowing water.

       3. Water gap structures shall be constructed of one or more of the following materials:

       a. Rubber belts, not less than one-half (1/2) inch thickness.

       b. Welded wire, not less than 9-gauge, or strength-equivalent material, securely attached to a metal frame.

       c. Pressure treated lumber, not less than one-inch thickness.

       d. Weather-proof composite boards, not less than one-inch thickness.

       e. Metal sheets, not less than one-quarter (1/4) inch thickness.

       4. Water gap materials shall be securely attached to the fencing material with galvanized metal, stainless steel, or aluminum connecting material. Such connecting materials may be coated with a waterproofing material.

       5. Water gap structures consisting of separate hanging units shall have a gap no more than 3 inches between each hanging unit.

       6. In areas where water gap structures are utilized, height of water gap structure and fence combined shall be no less than 8 feet in height measured from the natural ground level outside of the area susceptible to water flow.

       7. Water gap structures shall be locked or secured to form an immovable vertical barrier when water is not flowing.

       8. Debris which would prevent the water gap structure from being locked or secured in place shall be removed within 24 hours of water receding to normal water level.

       9. Water gap structures shall be approved by the Commission before use.

       10. Any water gap structures in use on June 2, 2025, shall have one year after June 2, 2025, to come into compliance with the requirements above.

10. (10) Hunting preserves and the physical facilities and installations of any preserve are subject at any time to inspection by Commission personnel, to verify compliance with Commission rules and other applicable laws. Refusal of any such inspection shall result in revocation of an issued preserve permit.
11. (11) Preserves shall be equipped and operated in such manner as to provide sufficient food and humane treatment for the game kept thereupon. A continuous source or supply of clean water shall be readily available at all times for all game. Access to bodies of water for cooling should be considered for those species which will utilize it. The premises, pens, and facilities of all preserves shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.
12. (12) Injured or wounded mammals shall be immediately treated by the permittee, transported to a veterinarian for treatment, or euthanized.
13. (13) A current list of employees authorized by the permittee to euthanize game shall be maintained by the permittee and made available for inspection upon request by Commission personnel.
14. (14) Prior to being transported from a preserve, all game carcasses, or portions or parts of game taken on the preserve, shall be properly identified with a tag or label with the name of the preserve permittee, the name of the preserve, and the date such game was taken and date the game is being transported from the preserve. When transporting game where individual marking is not practical, the container being used to transport such game shall be tagged or labeled as specified in this subsection.
15. (15) Each preserve shall maintain a record of any native or non-native captive-reared game taken on the preserve. Such record shall include the name, address, and hunting license number (or nature of the exemption) of the individual taking game, date of take, quantity and species of game taken, and purpose of take. Such records shall be maintained for a minimum of five years and shall be made available for inspection upon request of any Commission employee.

16. (16) Any person holding a hunting preserve permit shall maintain a record of each of the following changes in captive inventory, which shall be open to inspection upon request by Commission personnel and shall be maintained for a minimum of five years from the date of acquisition, transfer or sale:

    1. (a) Records of acquisition, which shall include the date of acquisition; quantity and species of game acquired; name and complete address of supplier; FWC permit identification number of the supplier, if acquired in Florida; and relevant importation permit, where applicable.
    2. (b) Records of sale or transfer, alive or dead, which shall include the date of sale or transfer; quantity and species of game sold or transferred; name and complete address of the entity to which game is sold or transferred; and FWC permit identification number of the recipient, when applicable. Such records shall be available for inspection upon request by Commission personnel.
    3. (c) Any person holding a hunting preserve permit who conducts intrastate movement of deer, elk, or other members of the family Cervidae shall keep and maintain copies of all records of compliance with Rule 68A-4.0051 and Chapter 5C-26, F.A.C., regarding the importation or intrastate movement of such deer, elk, or other members of the family Cervidae.

17. (17) When live game is being transported, the transporter of such game shall be permitted to possess such game or shall be an employee of a permittee authorized to possess such game. Any individual transporting Class I Bovidae shall be permitted for possession of such Class I Bovidae. The transporter of live game shall have a copy of records required in paragraph (16)(b) above while in transit. Any enclosure containing such game shall be clearly marked as follows:

    1. (a) For game that is transported in a cage or enclosure, the cage or enclosure shall be clearly labeled “Live Animal.” The cage or enclosure shall also be clearly and visibly marked with a label including the common name of each species and the quantity of each species.
    2. (b) For game that is transported in a trailer, compartment of a trailer, or vehicle, a label stating, “Live Animal” shall be affixed to every access door(s) or attached to any locking mechanism securing such access door(s), with lettering not less than one inch in height and in a contrasting color to the trailer. A list containing the common name of each species and the quantity of each species shall be maintained in the vehicle.

    3. (c) Any cages, enclosures, or trailers utilized to transport wildlife shall be as follows:

       1. Of sufficient strength and security to prevent escape.

       2. Large enough to ensure that each individual animal has sufficient space to turn, stand erect, and lie naturally; however, certain species may be restricted in their movements according to professionally acceptable standards when freedom of movement would constitute a danger to the animals, their handlers, or other persons.

18. (18) All game, except captive white-tailed deer, possessed or sold for food or consumptive purposes shall be killed on the premises of the preserve or transported to a recognized slaughter establishment for immediate processing. In instances where live game is transported to a recognized slaughter establishment for immediate processing, a copy of the current and valid hunting preserve permit of the preserve where such game was produced shall accompany the live game in transport. In instances where live game is sold or transferred, the transporter of such game shall be permitted or otherwise authorized by the Commission to possess such game. Harvested game possessed, sold or transferred for food or consumptive purposes shall comply with the following provisions:

    1. (a) Each game bird or the sealed container in which game birds are placed shall be clearly marked with the species and the name, complete address, and FWC permit identification number of the preserve producing such game birds.
    2. (b) Deer meat (venison) from species of deer not native to the state shall only be sold when packaged in a tamper-proof container clearly marked with a label stating, “NON-NATIVE VENISON, PRODUCED ON A LICENSED HUNTING PRESERVE” and shall include the name of the species. Additionally, each container shall be clearly marked to indicate the name, complete address, and FWC permit identification number of the preserve producing such venison.
    3. (c) Any harvested game stored on the premises of the preserve that has been sold or transferred shall be clearly marked or tagged to reflect the name and complete address of the recipient, species name, person who harvested the animal, date of harvest and date of sale or transfer.
    4. (d) Game harvested on a preserve and stored on the premises shall not be commingled with game taken from the wild and shall be marked with the species name and date of harvest.
    5. (e) Hunting preserves shall also comply with any applicable state and federal statutes or regulations relating to food safety, quality control, inspections, transportation, sale and regulation of foodstuffs and meat products.

19. (19) Captive-reared white-tailed deer may be possessed, sold, or transferred for food or consumptive purposes. Preserves possessing, selling, or transferring captive-reared white-tailed deer for foor or consumptive purposed shall be in compliance with the following:

    1. (a) Deer shall be transported live to a recognized slaughter establishment for immediate preparation and processing for consumption.

       1. A copy of the current and valid hunting preserve permit of the preserve where such game was produced shall accompany the live game in transport.

       2. The transporter of such game shall be permitted or otherwise authorized by the Commission to possess such game.

       3. Notify the Commission at least 48 hours prior to transfer of live deer.

       4. Hunting preserves shall also comply with any applicable state and federal statutes or regulations relating to food safety, quality control, inspections, transportation, sale and regulation of foodstuffs and meat products.

    2. (b) Captive-reared white-tailed deer meat (venison) shall only be sold when packaged in a tamper-proof container clearly marked with a label stating, “WHITE-TAILED DEER VENISON, PRODUCED ON A FLORIDA LICENSED HUNTING PRESERVE”. Additionally, each container shall be clearly marked to indicate the name, date, complete address, and FWC permit identification number of the preserve producing such venison and the identification number and name of the recognized slaughter establishment.
    3. (c) Deer shall not have been chemically immobilized or otherwise provided any drugs within 30 days of transfer to a recognized slaughter establishment.

20. (20) Permitted facilities shall report any escapes from the perimeter fencing or the approved facility location. Permitted facilities shall report any escapes from an enclosure, cage, or other constraint when captive-reared game is away from such approved facility location. Such reporting shall be made to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, immediately upon discovery of the escape. Any person in possession of captive-reared game which requires a permit issued under this rule shall make reasonable efforts to ensure the recapture and return of the escaped game to containment or lawful removal of such escaped game from the wild.

    1. (a) Failure to report any escapes of captive-reared game as specified above shall be considered a violation of this rule.
    2. (b) No person shall maintain captive-reared game animals in an unsafe or negligent manner which results in escape of game.
21. (21) It is unlawful to buy, sell or transfer any live game to or from any unpermitted entity within Florida. Recipients of any live game received from a hunting preserve shall be permitted pursuant to this rule, Section 379.3761, 379.3762, or 379.3711, F.S., unless exempt from the permitting provisions.

22. (22) Dissolution.

    1. (a) Prior to voluntary dissolution of a preserve and subsequent expiration of the current permit, the permittee shall notify the Commission of their intent to dissolve.

    2. (b) Prior to dissolution of a preserve and subsequent expiration of the current permit, the permittee shall legally dispose of all captive-reared native and non-native game animals authorized under the permit. Preserves under dissolution shall do one or more of the following:

       1. Take of game animals in accordance with this Rule.

       2. Sale or transfer of live game animals to a permitted entity. All sales or transfers shall be in compliance with subsections (16) and (17) above.

       3. Sale or transfer of game animals for food or consumptive purposes. All sales or transfers shall be in compliance with subsections (18) and (19) above.

       4. Sale or transfer of the preserve and current inventory to a new permittee. All captive-reared native and non-native game animals contained thereon shall remain the responsibility of the permittee until such time that a new permittee becomes permitted and takes responsibility for such captive-reared game. If the new owner does not obtain a hunting preserve permit for the inventory contained on the property, it shall be considered unlawful transfer and abandonment of captive-reared game by the previous permittee.

    3. (c) Commission personnel shall verify all captive-reared native and non-native game animals authorized under the permit have been removed prior to removal of facility’s perimeter fence. The Commission shall have the authority to verify the final disposition of all captive-reared native and non-native game animals previously authorized under the permit, including inspection by officers of the Commission.

23. (23) Any person whose permit is revoked or non-renewed as provided for in subsection 68-1.010(2), F.A.C., shall be subject to the provisions outlined in subsection 68A-6.003(2), F.A.C., and the following:

    1. (a) Such person shall have 180 days after the final administrative disposition to lawfully dispose of all captive-reared native or non-native game animals previously authorized under the revoked or non-renewed permit. Sale or transfer of such wildlife shall be authorized within the lawful disposition period for the purposes of complying with this rule.
    2. (b) The facility and wildlife previously authorized under the revoked or non-renewed permit may not be sold or otherwise transferred to any entity within Florida of which such person is an owner, officer, director, principal, employee, or agent or in which such person holds any interest.
    3. (c) Any person dissolving a hunt preserve due to revocation or non-renewal shall comply with subsections (16)-(19) above regarding transportation and record keeping requirements.
    4. (d) The Commission shall have the authority to verify the final disposition of wildlife previously authorized under the revoked or non-renewed permit, including inspection by officers of the Commission, pursuant to Section 379.304, F.S.
    5. (e) Such person shall not serve as an employee, agent, or volunteer, whether paid or unpaid, at any permitted hunting preserve or game farm facility or on behalf of any hunting preserve or game farm permittee for a period of three (3) years following final administrative action.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-4-81, 6-21-82, 7-1-83, Formerly 39-12.10, Amended 8-5-86, 4-11-90, 4-15-92, 10-20-96, 6-23-99, Formerly 39-12.010, Amended 5-29-01, 11-3-02, 7-1-05, 11-22-18, 12-3-20, 7-4-21, 7-1-22, 8-2-22, 7-17-23, 6-2-25.