Florida Fishing Laws

Our Florida fishing laws are very specific. I would suggest you read the Florida Fishing Regulations before purchasing your Florida fishing licenses. You will want to make sure you know before you go. Our FWC Officers patrol the local waters and they do check up on fishermen.

Florida has earned the distinct title of Fishing Capital of the World.

Fishermen will find an abundance of fishing opportunities.

5,983 square miles of water; 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, about 1,700 rivers and creeks,around 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals and 7,700 lakes greater than 10 acres.

Plenty of great Florida fishing spots.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is the state agency responsible for managing our fish and wildlife resources and enforcing our Florida fishing laws.

FWC Responsibilities:

• enforcement of Florida conservation laws
• habitat management
• education
• administering hunting and fishing licenses
• protecting aquatic and marine life
• managing the alligator population
• surveying and gathering information
• lake restoration
• managing more that 5.5 million acres

Caught! A tasty morsel for dinner

This is an enomous undertaking that I feel, this agency handles brilliantly.

The 18 million residents and the 70 million visitors to our State all benefit from the combined efforts of this team.

FWC Officers patrol our land and water. In the course of their day, they check for correct Florida fishing licenses, bag and size limits, boating safety, and compliance with all other fishing regulations. Airpatrols are used to assist the officers in the enforcment of Florida fishing laws.

They also have Canine officers who are trained in wildlife detection and tracking. This unit is helful in the management of over 34 million acres of public and private lands.

For all of you birders, the FWC has implemented the Great Florida Birding Trail which winds throughout the state. There are 498 sites for birding enthusiasts to view over 400 species of birds. Florida Bird Checklist.

This agency truly does an amazing job with something that is close to my heart, Florida outdoors. If you love Florida wildlife as I do, subscribe the FWC's wonderful magazine Florida Wildlife. It is published six times per year and is full of stunning photographs and interesting articles for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Our natural resources are a one-of-a-kind ecosystem; a paradise for all to enjoy. Abiding by the Florida fishing laws will help keep our natural resources abundant for generations to come.