FLORIDA-At their February meeting, Commissioners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved final changes to rules pertaining to the rehabilitation of native wildlife. The amendments will increase public safety, improve animal welfare, clarify current rule language, increase professionalism and update requirements for wildlife rehabilitation permittees, according to FWC.
The rule changes are wide ranging and include a number of both major and minor amendments to several areas, including permitting, applicant qualifications, wildlife care and education requirements. The revisions will create an apprentice level permit for wildlife rehabilitation, prohibit more than one general rehabilitator from operating at the same location, require continuing education for general wildlife rehabilitators and change requirements for the location and duties of off-site volunteers.