Private publication agreements; advertising; costs of production.

(1) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may enter into agreements to secure the private publication of public information brochures, pamphlets, audiotapes, videotapes, and related materials for distribution without charge to the public and, in furtherance thereof, is authorized to:

(a) Enter into agreements with private vendors for the publication or production of such public information materials, whereby the costs of publication or production will be borne in whole or in part by the vendor or the vendor shall provide additional compensation in return for the right of the vendor to select, sell, and place advertising which publicizes products or services related to and harmonious with the subject matter of the publication.

(b) Retain the right, by agreement, to approve all elements of any advertising placed in such public information materials, including the form and content thereof.

(2) Any public information materials produced pursuant to this section and containing advertising of any kind shall include a statement providing that the inclusion of advertising in such material does not constitute an endorsement by the state or commission of the products or services so advertised.

(3) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may enter into agreements with private vendors for vendor advertisement for the purpose of offsetting expenses relating to license issuance, and, in furtherance thereof, is authorized to:

(a) Retain the right, by agreement, to approve all elements of such advertising, including the form or content.

(b) Require that any advertising of any kind contracted pursuant to this section shall include a statement providing that the advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the state or commission of the products or services to be so advertised.

(4) The commission shall collect, edit, publish, and print pamphlets, papers, manuscripts, documents, books, monographs, and other materials relating to fish and wildlife conservation and may establish and impose a reasonable charge for such materials to cover costs of production and distribution in whole or part and may contract for the marketing, sale, and distribution of such publications and materials; except that no charge shall be imposed for materials designed to provide the public with essential information concerning fish and wildlife regulations and matters of public safety.

(5) The commission shall provide services and information designed to inform Floridians and visitors about Florida’s unique and diverse fish, game, and wildlife, and make it available by means of commonly used media. For the accomplishment of those purposes, the commission may make expenditures to:

(a) Encourage and cooperate with public and private organizations or groups to publicize to residents and visitors the diversity of fish, game, and wildlife, and related recreation opportunities of the state, including the establishment of and expenditure for a program of cooperative advertising or sponsorships, or partnerships with the public and private organizations and groups in accordance with rules adopted by the commission under chapter 120.

(b) Charge and collect a reasonable fee for researching or compiling information or other services which, in its judgment, should not be free to those requesting the information, research, handling, material, publication, or other services. Any amounts of money received by the commission from such sources shall be restored to the appropriations of the commission, and any unexpended funds shall be deposited into the State Game Trust Fund and made available to the commission for use in performing its duties, powers, and purposes.

(c) Charge and collect registration fees at conferences, seminars, and other meetings conducted in furtherance of the duties, powers, and purposes of the commission. Any funds collected under this paragraph which remain unexpended after the expenses of the conference, seminar, or meeting have been paid shall be deposited into the State Game Trust Fund and made available to the commission for use in performing its duties, powers, and purposes.

(d) Purchase and distribute promotional items to increase public awareness regarding boating safety and other programs that promote public safety or resource conservation.

(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of part I of chapter 287, the commission may adopt rules for the purpose of entering into contracts that are primarily for promotional and advertising services and promotional events which may include the authority to negotiate costs with offerors of such services and commodities who have been determined to be qualified on the basis of technical merit, creative ability, and professional competency.