General Information
Introduction
This publication is provided as a guide to Florida fishing laws and regulations. The Florida Administrative Code is the final authority on fishing laws. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) strives to ensure information in this booklet is accurate, but assumes no liability for any errors that occur in this publication. Contact the FWC if you have any questions on issues not covered in this booklet. A continuously updated electronic version of this publication is available at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on "Saltwater" and "Recreational Regulations."
About licenses and permits
The money collected from saltwater fishing licenses and permits is used to improve and restore fish habitat and for marine fisheries research, law enforcement and public education on marine resources. Recreational licenses and permits, including reprints, are available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, Fish|Hunt Fl app, tax collectors’ offices, license agents, or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Handling fees apply to telephone and internet sales. See more information on Licenses & Permits.
Thank you for contributing to conservation
Your purchases of fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and fishing licenses help improve fishing and boating opportunities in Florida through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration program (SFR). SFR is a successful cycle of federal funding that includes anglers, the fishing and boating industry, and conservation agencies with the goal to restore and better manage America’s recreational fisheries. Funding is derived through an excise tax on fishing gear and motorboat fuel, paid by anglers through fishing and boating manufacturers. Through this federal “user-pay, public-benefit” system of conservation, millions of dollars in funding each year go toward fisheries research, habitat management, stock enhancement, artificial reefs, boating access improvements, angler outreach and aquatic education. To learn more about how everyone benefits from enhanced fishing opportunities provided through the program, visit MyFWC.com/SFR.
2024 Commission meeting dates
Subject to change due to availability of appropriate facilities to hold the meeting.
- February 21–22
- May 1–2
- July 10–11
- September 17–18
- December 11–12
*Dates subject to change
For more information about Commission meeting dates, times, locations and agendas, visit MyFWC.com and click on “About Us" and "Commission Meetings” on the top of the page.
