(1) It is the intent of this rule to effect the repeal of and replace Florida Statutes § 370.156 (1995). The Marine Fisheries Commission has determined that the repeal and replacement of this statutory provision will not adversely affect the shrimp resources of the counties of the Florida East Coast Shrimp Bed or of the State of Florida.
    (2)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), no person shall operate as a food shrimp producer during the months of April or May each year in any waters of the Florida East Coast Shrimp Bed.
    (b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to any person operating as a food shrimp producer during these two months in state waters east of a line extending from 81°20.950’W Longitude and 30°26.658’N Latitude and continuing to 81°20.325’W Longitude and 30°21.469’N Latitude.
    (3) For purposes of this rule the term “”Florida East Coast Shrimp Bed”” means all state waters of Nassau, Duval, Clay, Putnam, St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Brevard, Indian River, and St. Lucie Counties.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., Chapter 83-134, Laws of Fla., as amended by Chapter 84-121, Laws of Fla. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const., Chapter 83-134, Laws of Fla., as amended by Chapter 84-121, Laws of Fla. History-New 4-18-95, Formerly 46-31.0156, Amended 12-5-17.