Mission and Benefits

Mission

Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Benefits

• Scientific data drives management decisions for fish and wildlife populations and their habitats.
• Diverse wildlife resources and people benefit from studies about Florida's delicate and complex ecosystems and the impact humans have on them.
• Quality hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities continue, due to management of fish, wildlife and habitats.
• Trained and sworn officers enforce rules that protect fish and wildlife and keep Florida's waterways safe for millions of boaters.
• In the event of natural and other disasters, officers also cooperate with local, state and federal partners, using the agency's specialized equipment and extensive knowledge about Florida's aquatic and upland environments.
• Responsible recreation and stewardship of the state's natural resources.
• Through the FWC's communications with a variety of audiences, the agency:
  • Provides information about human-wildlife interactions; conservation; fish and wildlife habitats; protected species; and hunting, fishing, boating and outdoor recreational opportunities.
  • Conducts safety training and classes for hunters and boaters.
  • Teaches classes in outdoor recreational activities, such as bird-watching, fishing and hunting.
  • Coordinates programs, such as Kids' Fishing Clinics, specifically for people who traditionally have not participated in outdoor activities.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) consists of 1,947 full-time-equivalent employees, including more than 700 sworn law enforcement officers. More than 900 Other Personal Services employees also work for the FWC. All personnel work together to protect and manage more than 575 species of wildlife, 200 species of freshwater fish and 500 species of saltwater fish.

The FWC works to balance the needs of these fish and wildlife species and the habitats that support them with the needs of Florida's nearly 19 million residents and the millions of people who visit the state each year.