(1) A person who harvests a swordfish within or without Florida Waters may not sell a swordfish unless the harvester possesses a valid saltwater products license, a valid restricted species endorsement, and either a valid federal Limited Access Permit (LAP) for swordfish, valid federal Swordfish General Commercial permit, or federal HMS Charter/Headboat permit (swordfish may not be harvested on a vessel-for-hire trip) issued pursuant to 50 C.F.R. § 635.4(f) (as of September 20, 2013), and presents the saltwater products license, restricted species endorsement, and one of these federal permits to the buyer of the swordfish.
    (2) No wholesale dealer, as defined in Florida Statutes § 379.362(1), shall purchase swordfish, or any part thereof, unless such dealer is in possession of a valid federal Atlantic swordfish dealer permit. No wholesale dealer shall purchase swordfish, or any part thereof without confirming that the seller possesses a valid Florida saltwater products license, valid restricted species endorsement, and the federal licenses and permits specified in subsection (1). This subsection applies only when a swordfish, or any part thereof is sold, exchanged, bartered, distributed, or landed for the first time.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History-New 9-1-13, Amended 2-13-14.