On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will cast its final vote in Havana, Florida, on whether to authorize a black bear hunt. This decision will have lasting consequences for one of our state’s most vital wildlife species.

Florida’s black bears are a keystone species, essential to the health and stability of our ecosystems. This vote will determine whether they continue to fulfill that role, or whether politics and special interests override science and public will.

We urge you to act without delay:

Demand a NO vote from Governor Ron DeSantis and all seven FWC Commissioners. Your voice matters now more than ever. Public opposition is clear, and sound science does not support this hunt.

Contact Governor Ron DeSantis
Phone: (850) 717-9337
Email: GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com

Contact the FWC Commissioners
BCC these addresses in your message:
Rodney.Barreto@MyFWC.com, Steven.Hudson@MyFWC.com, Preston.Farrior@MyFWC.com, Sonya.Rood@MyFWC.com, Albert.Maury@MyFWC.com, Gary.Nicklaus@MyFWC.com, Gary.Lester@MyFWC.com
(Please thank Commissioner Steven Hudson for voting NO during the preliminary vote.)

Attend the FWC Meeting
Date: August 13, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Arrive no later than 7:30 AM to register to speak; comments will likely be limited to 1 minute or less.)

Location: Florida Public Safety Institute Conference Center, 85 Academy Dr., Havana, FL 32333

This is the decisive moment. The survival of Florida’s black bears and the integrity of "wildlife management" in our state depend on the choices made in the next few days. Make your voice heard.

BEARDEFENDERS.ORG