Florida Governor Signs Bill Revamping Ethics And Wildlife Regulations

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed 14 bills from the state's legislative session, including a measure that revamps ethics laws. The bill, SB 7014, has sparked controversy among environmental groups and wildlife conservationists, who claim it conflicts with existing regulations. According to a statement from the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the bill usurps the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which has constitutional authority over wildlife management.

WFTV reports that the organization's executive director, MacFall, reiterated this concern, stating that the foundation will continue to explore options to protect Florida's bears. Opponents of the bill argue that the focus should be on securing garbage and preventing bears from being attracted to residential areas. As mentioned in the BearWise program, steps such as not feeding bears, clearing grills... and removing bird feeders can be taken to prevent conflicts.

Sierra Club Florida has also expressed opposition to the bill, labeling it a "dangerous solution to an imaginary problem". The signing of the bill has drawn criticism from environmental groups, who believe it undermines the commission's ability to effectively manage wildlife. WFTV reports that DeSantis' office announced the signing of the bill, "along with 14 others," "as well as the veto of three." The implications of the bill remain unclear... but one thing is certain: the debate over Florida's wildlife management is far from over.

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DeSantis' office announced Friday night that he had signed 14 bills from this year's legislative session and vetoed three. Among the other bills he signed was a measure (SB 7014) that revamped ethics laws. MacFall said the bill conflicts with regulations of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which has the constitutional authority to manage wildlife. She added her organization "will continue to explore our options moving forward to ensure Florida's bears are protected."