In this post, we have compiled and condensed the state and federal regulations regarding fishing in the Florida region, specifically in the waters off the Gulf and Atlantic so you can make use of them easily. This post is a summary for state regulations that govern the state waters off the coasts of Florida for personal use of anglers. The state waters extend to 3 nautical miles towards the Atlantic and 9 miles towards the Gulf and beyond that lies the domain of Federal regulations.
The rules and regulations pertaining to fishing practices have a tendency to change over time and this condensed form of the rules and regulations is best up to date after pestering the regulatory bodies that are in charge of fishery management in the region.
Before Moving Forward (This is a guide, always check the state’s site.)
Do keep it in mind that the information provided is specifically pertaining to recreational hunting and fishing. Licenses for recreational hunting and fishing, along with permits for residents and non residents are available online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website (http://myfwc.com/).
Research and Information: http://myfwc.com/license/
How to order: http://myfwc.com/license/recreational/how-to-order/
Lifetime Licenses
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issues lifetime licenses to the residents of Florida for the purposes of saltwater and freshwater fishing. All of the funds they accumulate from the purchase of these licenses are invested into their drive for the well being of Florida’s wildlife and fisheries by creating a sort of endowment fund. This will ensure a long term sustainability of the wildlife and resources for fisheries in the State of Florida.
Avid fishermen and anglers will find that the lifetime fishing license is the best kind of license that they can obtain because it is going to secure their permit for hunting and fishing activities once and for all. The lifetime license retains its validity for use in the state of Florida even if the holder happens to move beyond state lines. For the anglers who are regular, this license also serves as more than just a fair bargain. Onetime cost of a lifetime license, although costly initially, makes for a better investment than spending on annual licenses.
Florida Residents
When seen in the context of hunting/fishing in the State of Florida, a resident is someone who has either resided in the State of Florida for 6 months continuously before the issuance of a license and makes claim of Florida as their primary residence. Another case where you can be considered a resident is when any member of the Armed Forces in the United States is stationed in the State of Florida with their family, if they have it.
Exemption for License
There are a few cases where people are exempted from the requirement of a license if:
- You are below 16 years of age
- You are a resident of Florida over 65 years of age
- You fish in the country of your residence from your estate or that of your child/spouse’s. In case of a minor, from the home/estate of your parent
- You’re a resident of Florida who has been certified as permanently disabled and possess a Florida Resident Disabled Person Hunting and Fishing certificate
- You’re a resident that’s a member of the United States Armed Forces, are stationed elsewhere but are home on a leave for 30 days or less.
If any of the above cases apply to you, then you are exempt from getting a license.
In Conclusion
This post highlighted the basics of the regulations related to fishing in Florida. We hope you now have a better understanding of these regulations. Stay tuned for more informative posts!
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