FAR Daily Brief
Gear Innovation Special Activity License
26 proposed rules, 15 public meetings, 3 waiver petitions in today's Florida Administrative Register. The top signal: Gear Innovation Special Activity License.
Today brought 26 proposed rules, 15 workshops, and 3 waivers.
Top signal Rule 68B-8.0131
April 16, 2026 · Volume 52, Number 74 · 10-min read
Does this affect you? Today’s issue matters most if you are:
‣ Licensed or regulated by Health
‣ Licensed or regulated by Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
‣ In construction, marina, or waterfront business
Dates to mark ✎ May 07, 2026 — Comment deadline — 26 proposed rules ★ May 19, 2026, 2:00 p.m. — Bid due — UNF RFQ-26-19 Mathews Computer Science Building Phase 1 & 2 ★ May 6, 2026 at 3 p.m. — Bid due — ITN102225SHDBL New Student Housing Design-Build Services Lar ★ 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time Zone, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. — Bid due — Pediatric Restraint Equipment Request for Quotes ★ TBD — Bid (no deadline posted) — ITB-26-10 Construction Services for SR 924 Operational Impro Lead signal What matters first
Featured Rule 68B-8.0131
Gear Innovation Special Activity License
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
This new rule creates a standalone Gear Innovation SAL framework for testing nontraditional marine harvest gear. Commercial harvesters and research applicants should review eligibility, fees, and license conditions before proposing new gear.
Why it matters If this rule applies to your business, the clock is running. Comment deadline: May 07, 2026. AskObi — AskObi.org can map this Gear Innovation SAL to Chapter 379, F.S., so harvesters can see whether a proposed gear test triggers new state licensing requirements.
Comment by May 07, 2026
Withdrawn Rule 69U-100.0977 · Department of Financial Services
Gold Coin and Silver Coin, State Banks as Depository and Custodian of Public Gold Coin and Silver Coin
The Department of Financial Services has withdrawn the proposed rule for Rule 69U-100.0977. This means the rule proposal published in the July 16, 2025 Florida Administrative Register is no longer being pursued.
Priority Also worth your time 2
Rule 68B-2.012 · Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissionComment by May 07, 2026
Tagging of Marine Organisms
This new rule would let state and federal natural resource management agencies tag marine organisms without a Marine SAL and would increase the number of fish tournament directors may tag without one. Tournament operators, researchers, and marine program managers should review when a special license is still required.
Rule 64B8-13.005 · Department of HealthComment by May 07, 2026
Continuing Education for Biennial Renewal
This amendment adds another approved provider for the required controlled-substance prescribing course for physicians. The change expands continuing education options but does not appear to add new compliance burdens.
Pattern to watch
13 Marine Fisheries rules and 4 Florida Commission on Offender Review rules hit the Register on the same day. That concentration is the signal.
Cluster More from Marine Fisheries 12 13 rules from Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission today. Comment by May 07, 2026.
Rule 68B-8.0132
Governmental Purpose Special Activity License; Governmental Purpose Gear Exemption
This new rule creates a standalone Governmental Purpose SAL and related gear exemption process for government-sanctioned activities. Agencies and support contractors should review the application contents, emergency response authority, and exemption limits before using non-conforming gear.
Rule 68B-8.008
Florida Marine Science Educators Association Certification
This rule renames and restructures the Florida Marine Science Educators Association certification into the Aquatic Species Collection Certificate. Schools, instructors, and education groups may need Commission-approved training and should review new eligibility, duration, and operating conditions.
General Conditions and Restrictions — Rule 68B-8.003 Nonprofit Corporation Special Activity License — Rule 68B-8.0133 Definitions — Rule 68B-8.002 Stock Collection and Release Special Activity License — Rule 68B-8.010 Scientific Research Special Activity License — Rule 68B-8.006 Education/Exhibition Special Activity License — Rule 68B-8.007 Aquaculture Broodstock Collection Special Activity License — Rule 68B-8.011 Snook Special Activity License — Rule 68B-8.012 Non-Conforming Gear Special Activity Licenses and Exemptions — Rule 68B-8.013 Prohibited Species Collection Criteria — Rule 68B-8.009 Theme More from Florida Commission on Offender Review 4 4 rules from Florida Commission on Offender Review today. Comment by May 07, 2026.
Rule 23-21.004
Commission Meetings and Victim Input
This update revises how victims and other interested parties participate in Commission meetings and how meeting conduct is managed. Entities that represent inmates, victims, or advocacy groups may need to follow updated procedures for requesting to speak or submit statements.
Rule 23-21.006
Initial Interview Procedure
This amendment changes parole initial interview procedures, including timing, documentation, and how investigators communicate recommendations. Attorneys and correctional-service providers may need to adjust case preparation and timelines for parole-eligible inmates.
Subsequent Interview Procedure — Rule 23-21.013 Effective Parole Release Date Interview Procedure — Rule 23-21.015 Continuing Education for Biennial Renewal — Rule 64B15-13.001 · Department of Health Supplemental Evidence — Rule 73B-21.011 · Department of Commerce Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program — Rule 6A-6.0960 · Department of Education Meeting Between Park Owner and Homeowners' Committee — Rule 61B-32.004 · Department of Business and Professional Regulation Briefs and Motions — Rule 73B-21.010 · Department of Commerce Minimum Standards for Out-of-state High School Equivalency Diplomas — Rule 6A-10.0240 · Department of Education Designation of Homeowners' Committee — Rule 61B-32.003 · Department of Business and Professional Regulation Quick scan Meetings, bids, and opportunities
Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
Quarterly meeting of the Treasure Coast Local Emergency Planning Committee
May 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. — The Treasure Coast Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its quarterly meeting. Emergency management stakeholders and local governments should review the agenda for regional preparedness and coordination items.
Florida Department of Transportation
Hybrid public meeting on the State Road 61 (Thomasville Road) resurfacing project in Leon County
Thursday, April 30, 2026, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., EDT — FDOT will present the State Road 61 resurfacing project from north of 9th Avenue to south of Maclay Road in Leon County, including signal, lighting, pedestrian, and median-safety improvements. The department will accept written or verbal comments, with the official comment deadline listed as Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council — 4 meetings Budget and Personnel Committee meeting on proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget — Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council · May 15 Monthly board meeting of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council — Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council · May 15 Bi-monthly meeting of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee — Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council · May 7 Department of Health — 2 meetings Probable Cause Panel telephone conference on public disciplinary cases with reco — Department of Health · May 7 Public meeting on the upcoming Quarterly Florida Interagency Coordinating Counci — Department of Health · April 29 Florida Housing Finance Corporation — 2 meetings Board of Directors meeting on housing finance, program actions, appeals, rules, — Florida Housing Finance Corporation · May 1 TEFRA hearing on potential tax-exempt financing for Kissimmee Cove — Florida Housing Finance Corporation · April 24 Continuing Education and Exams Committee telephone conference — Department of Business and Professional Regulation · Thursday Public meeting on suicide risk in specific occupations, particularly first respo — Department of Children and Families · Tuesday Advisory Council Executive Committee meeting — Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach · Tuesday Executive Committee meeting — Center For Independent Living in Central Florida · April 17 Board meeting on organizational actions, delegated authority, property matters, — FHFC II · May 01 Board meeting on organizational actions, delegated authority, property matters, — FHFC III · May 01
Bid University of North Florida · Due May 19, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
UNF RFQ-26-19 Mathews Computer Science Building Phase 1 & 2 A&E Services
The University of North Florida is seeking architectural and engineering services for a two-phase project covering renovation of the existing Mathews Computer Science Building and design work for a new Advanced Computing Building addition. Responses must be submitted electronically through the UNF Bid Portal, and solicitation materials are available on the UNF Procurement Services website.
Bid New College of Florida · Due May 6, 2026 at 3 p.m.
ITN102225SHDBL New Student Housing Design-Build Services Large Dorms
New College of Florida is seeking qualified design-build firms for a new large dorm project and requires firms to submit qualifications, relevant experience, and key personnel information. The ITN package is available on the college procurement website, and shortlisted firms may submit written questions by June 12, 2026.
Bid Northeast Florida Regional Council · Due 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time Zone, Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Pediatric Restraint Equipment Request for Quotes
The Northeast Florida Regional Council is requesting quotes from qualified vendors for pediatric restraints used in safe EMS transport. Specifications are referenced in the bid materials posted on the council’s website, and responses received after the deadline will not be considered.
Bid Greater Miami Expressway Agency (GMX)
ITB-26-10 Construction Services for SR 924 Operational Improvements at NW 32 Avenue to West of NW 27 Avenue
GMX announced an upcoming invitation to bid for construction services tied to operational improvements on SR 924. Vendors are directed to the GMX Procurement Department website for detailed solicitation information.
Bid Clay County Board of County Commissioners · Due 4:00 p.m., Thursday, June 04, 2026
RFP No. 25/26-085 Public Private Partnership (P3) to Design, Build and Finance a Public Safety Complex in Clay County
Clay County is soliciting proposals for a public-private partnership to design, build, and finance a shared-use public safety complex on Rosemary Hill Road. The solicitation package is available through the county’s OpenGov portal, and responses must be submitted by the stated deadline.
Bid BBI Construction Management, Inc. · Due Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
UF Broward Hall North Site Improvements
BBI Construction Management is accepting subcontractor bids for multiple trades on the University of Florida Broward Hall North Site Improvements project in Gainesville. Interested firms can attend the pre-bid meeting on April 23, 2026, and may request documents and prequalification information from the listed contacts.
Bid City of Fort Lauderdale · Due May 7, 2026, before 5:00 p.m. local time
Invitation to Submit Proposals for Design, Installation, Financing, Operation, and Maintenance of a Citywide Network of Interactive Digital Kiosks
The City of Fort Lauderdale received an unsolicited proposal for a citywide network of interactive digital kiosks and is inviting competing proposals for the same project. Alternative proposals must be submitted in writing to the City Manager’s Office by the stated deadline.
Rule exemptions requested 3 Mental health counselor intern supervision approval requirements for full licens — Board of Clinical Social Work — Jenna G. Green, RMHCI, filed a petition seeking a waiver of the rule requiring a registered intern to have a qualified supervisor identified and approved by the Board before supervised experience counts toward licensure. She is asking the Board to waive those requirements so her pending application for full mental health counselor licensure can be approved. Educational requirements for licensure and assistants — Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology — Alejandra Valeria Peralba filed a petition seeking a variance or waiver from educational requirements in Rules 64B20-2. Funding ceiling requirements for Economic Development subgrants under the Florid — Florida Department of Commerce — The Town of Greenville, Florida filed a petition seeking a waiver of the rule that limits how much funding an applicant may request for an Economic Development subgrant. The petition asks the Department |