CALL TODAY, FLOOR VOTE TAKES PLACE TOMORROW, IF IT PASSES, IT WILL BE SENT TO THE GOVERNOR TO BE SIGNED INTO LAW!!!
The sponsor of this bill is Jason Shoaf, the same sponsor of HB 87 - Taking of Bears, which was signed into law last year. Shoaf deceptively led people to believe that they didn't have a right to defend themselves against a bear attack. He lied to the public and painted Florida's black bears as voracious carnivores on crack that were terrorizing neighborhoods and destroying property. You can read more about that on our previous petition against HB 87.
Now, Shoaf wants to limit the FWC from investigating poaching and other illegal activity taking place on private property. We would also like to note that the FWC plans on allowing bear hunting on private property. Please take action to stop this bill dead in its tracks.
Florida House Bill (HB) 1133: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would be devastating for wildlife, public safety, and the integrity of conservation enforcement across the state.
If passed, HB 1133 would severely limit the ability of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers to investigate and stop poachers, wildlife traffickers, and other illicit activity that harms Florida’s wildlife.
Why HB 1133 is a Threat to Wildlife:
1. It weakens law enforcement authority
HB 1133 would severely restrict the ability of FWC officers to carry out investigations, inspections, and enforcement actions. These officers are Florida’s frontline defense against poaching, trafficking, and environmental destruction. Weakening their authority invites more criminal activity targeting wildlife and natural resources.
2. It protects poachers and wildlife criminals
By reducing the enforcement powers of the FWC, this bill creates more opportunities for illegal activities to go unpunished. Poachers, traffickers, and other bad actors would benefit directly if HB 1133 becomes law.
3. It undermines decades of conservation progress
Florida’s wildlife enforcement efforts have been critical to the recovery and protection of many species, including endangered animals like the Florida panther and the manatee. HB 1133 would dismantle much of the progress made over the past decades and leave vulnerable species exposed to increased threats.
4. It ignores scientific and professional advice
Wildlife scientists and conservation professionals agree that strong, proactive enforcement is necessary to protect fragile ecosystems and threatened species. HB 1133 goes against best practices in conservation and undermines expert recommendations.
5. It damages Florida’s reputation and economy
Florida’s thriving ecotourism industry depends on healthy wildlife and ecosystems. Weakening protections for these natural treasures will ultimately harm the economy and tarnish Florida’s image as a leader in conservation.
Call and tell your legislators to vote NO on HB 1133. Tell them you want strong protections for wildlife, not weakened enforcement that benefits poachers and traffickers.
Senator Ben Albritton - (850) 487-5027,
Senator Kristen Arrington - (850) 487-5025,
Senator Bryan Avila - (850) 487-5039,
Senator Lori Berman - (850) 487-5026,
Senator Mack Bernard - (850) 487-5024,
Senator Jim Boyd - (850) 487-5020,
Senator Jennifer Bradley - (850) 487-5006,
Senator Jason Brodeur - (850) 487-5010,
Senator Danny Burgess - (850) 487-5023,
Senator Colleen Burton - (850) 487-5012,
Senator Alexis Calatayud - (850) 487-5038,
Senator Jay Collins - (850) 487-5014,
Senator Tracie Davis - (850) 487-5005,
Senator Nick DiCeglie - (850) 487-5018,
Senator Don Gaetz - (850) 487-5001,
Senator Ileana Garcia - (850) 487-5036,
Senator Erin Grall - (850) 487-5029,
Senator Joe Gruters - (850) 487-5022,
Senator Gayle Harrell - (850) 487-5031,
Senator Ed Hooper - (850) 487-5021,
Senator Blaise Ingoglia - (850) 487-5011,
Senator Shevrin Jones - (850) 487-5034,
Senator Tom Lee - (850) 487-5007,
Senator Jonathan Martin - (850) 487-5033,
Senator Stan McClain - (850) 487-5009,
Senator Rosalind Osgood - (850) 487-5032,
Senator Kathleen Passidomo - (850) 487-5028,
Senator Jason Pizzo - (850) 487-5037,
Senator Tina Polsky - (850) 487-5030,
Senator Ana Marie Rodriguez - (850) 487-5040,
Senator Darryl Rouson - (850) 487-5016,
Senator Barbara Sharief - (850) 487-5035,
Senator Corey Simon - (850) 487-5003,
Senator Carlos Smith - (850) 487-5017,
Senator Keith Truenow - (850) 487-5013,
Senator Jay Trumbull - (850) 487-5002,
Senator Tom Wright - (850) 487-5008,
Senator Clay Yarborough - (850) 487-5004
Talking Points When You Call:
I respectfully urge you to vote NO on HB 1133. This bill will severely weaken wildlife law enforcement and embolden poachers. Florida’s wildlife needs strong protection, not weakened oversight. Passing HB 1133 would damage Florida’s conservation legacy and harm our wildlife.
Thank you for taking action!