The 2011-2012 summary of Florida's
freshwater fishing rules and regulations can be read by reading the
introduction below and using the links to the left, or
choosing one of the following options:
Other regulatory resources include:
Introduction
This is your guide to freshwater fishing laws and
regulations. The Florida
Wildlife Code is the final authority on fishing laws. The
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) strives to
ensure this information is accurate but assumes no liability for
errors that may occur. In addition, rules can change between
publications. Contact
the FWC if you have questions not adequately covered in this
booklet. This publication is valid from July 1, 2011 to June 30,
2012.
Florida remains the "Fishing Capital of the World,"
due to great resources and responsible management. We consider the
quality of life that is associated with recreational activities and
living in a healthy environment to be extremely important to
Floridians and visitors and are also striving to make Florida the
undisputed "Bass Fishing Capital."
The FWC uses the best scientific management
possible to help fulfill its mission of "Managing fish and wildlife
resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of
people." To fund those efforts, the Legislature sets fishing
license fees and exemptions, as well as penalties for violating
fish and wildlife conservation laws. State law guarantees money
from sale of fishing licenses goes to the FWC and cannot be
diverted.
In 1950, congressmen Dingell and Johnson, at the
request of anglers and the fishing industry, created the original
Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program wherein fishing
tackle was assessed an excise fee and the monies returned to the
states for introduction fish restoration projects. The
"Wallop-Breaux" amendment in 1984 expanded the act by adding import
duties on sport fishing equipment, pleasure boats and yachts as
well as taxes on motorboat fuels. The result is one of the most
successful "user-pays, user-benefits" programs in the world, with
taxes from sale of outdoor recreation supplies directly enhancing
and promoting the resource.
The amount of money Florida receives from SFR is
based on the size of the state and the number of paid licensed
anglers - not licenses and permits, but the people who hold them.
For instance, an angler with freshwater and saltwater licenses and
a snook permit counts as one holder. Each certified holder
generates approximately $7.49 more for sportfish restoration
providing nearly $12 million for Florida in 2010 (versus $14
million in 2009).
Of those monies 15 percent went to boating access -
building and repairing ramps and courtesy docks. The remainder went
to fresh and saltwater fisheries conservation projects such as
habitat restoration, fish stocking, artificial reefs construction,
and youth fishing clinics.
The FWC encourages all anglers to buy a license. Even if you are legally exempt,
you can contribute to the future of our fisheries resources by
buying a license and helping the FWC keep your federal tax dollars
in Florida to support sportfish restoration.
Recreational fishing often is portrayed in
advertising because it is an enjoyable, wholesome experience that
reflects a happy and healthy lifestyle. Moreover, it is the number
one gateway activity to get youth connected to nature in active
outdoor recreation, which can reduce obesity, improve grades and
most of all adds enjoyment to their lives. The FWC is working hard
to ensure safe and sustainable recreational fishing for all of our
citizens and guests and depends on your license fees to make sure
there are fish for tomorrow.
Persons with Disabilities