By florida fish wildlife conservation commission staff fwc help protect one of florida s vital resources follow these simple rules and regulations. The following maps provide information regarding two species that have specific management zones where bag limits or rules vary by region.
Better more precise data will provide a clearer picture of the health of reef fish stocks throughout the state and help ensure the long term sustainability of recreational fishing in florida.
Recreational fishing florida. Fishing is like everything else in life it is full of rules and regulations. Florida s recreational fishery is among the largest in the country and is an important component of the state s tourism economy. Florida s rules and regulations are designed to help ensure the safety of all the people in florida visitors and residents alike and to help make sure that.
If you re interested in recreational fishing in florida many of the fish management areas maintained by the florida fish and wildlife conservation commission are still open. Recreational fishing of anglers 4 million florida anglers. This information helps improve recreational catch estimates allow for improved reef fish stock assessments and provide enhanced management opportunities.
Be sure to check the status of your intended fishing destination on their website before you go. Fwc office of licensing and permitting 2017 2018 fwc participant report for all unique freshwater and saltwater licensed individuals including saltwater multiplier from the 2011 national survey. Florida s waters offer up plenty of space along with the promise of fresh catch.
Know your management zones for most species florida s recreational bag limits apply to all state waters off florida which extend out to 3 nautical miles on the atlantic and out to 9 nautical miles on the gulf. The mrip estimates that recreational anglers took more than 42 million saltwater fishing trips statewide in florida. Pursuant to section 120 74 florida statutes the fish and wildlife conservation commission has published its 2019 agency regulatory plan 2019 agency regulatory plan.
Close to half the estimated recreational fishing trips in florida are made by visitors to the state. Required for recreational anglers fishing for snappers and other reef fish species in gulf and atlantic wa freshwater fishing florida is the fishing capital of the world.
