1. (1) The purpose of a Scientific Research SAL is to accommodate the need for the scientific community to conduct research and monitoring activities that enhance the greater body of knowledge in support of fisheries management, marine ecology, resource conservation and enhancement, or public health.

2. (2) Eligibility – A Scientific Research SAL may be issued only to the following:

   1. (a) A principal investigator of a proposed or ongoing scientific research project who is on the faculty or is a student of a college, community college, university, or secondary school.
   2. (b) A principal investigator of a proposed or ongoing scientific research project who is affiliated with a marine research institute, laboratory, corporation, or organization.
   3. (c) A member of the scientific or technical staff of a city, county, state or federal agency.
   4. (d) A member of the scientific or technical staff of a certified aquaculture facility.

3. (3) Fees and Application –

   1. (a) The processing fee for a Scientific Research SAL is $25.00. A processing fee is non-refundable.
   2. (b) An applicant for a Scientific Research SAL must complete and submit a Scientific Research SAL application form (Form DMF-SRSAL (November 2025)), which is incorporated herein by reference and is available at HYPERLINK "http://flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-18890"http://flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-18890.

4. (4) Evaluation Criteria – In addition to the evaluation criteria set forth in subsection 68B-8.003(9), F.A.C., an application for a Scientific Research SAL will be evaluated based on the following criteria as applicable to the request:

   1. (a) Project specifications and methodologies. Proposed methodologies must include sufficient detail and clarity to provide for replication or offer the opportunity to build systematically on findings.
   2. (b) Monitoring strategies. The applicant must ensure that monitoring data can and will be analyzed to detect physical or biological changes over time in marine organisms, their populations, or communities.

5. (5) License Periods –

   1. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the license period for a Scientific Research SAL will be based on the duration of the proposed activity, provided that the duration is no longer than is necessary to achieve its stated purpose, and may not exceed 5 years (60 months).
   2. (b) The license period for a Scientific Research SAL issued for activities involving a prohibited species may not exceed 1 year (12 months).
6. (6) License conditions – A licensee must comply with all conditions set forth under a Scientific Research SAL.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 7-1-04, Amended 11-19-09, 5-19-25, 2-1-26.