By Joseph Nicholson
Saltwater Fishing Regulations in Florida
Florida's saltwater fishing regulations extend three nautical miles from the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and nine nautical miles into the Gulf of
Mexico. Recreational fishing laws are administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under the Florida Administrative Code. The state's low license cost, year-round season and abundance of saltwater fish make its waters a popular American destination---the Fishing Capital of the World, according to the state itself.
Fishing licenses are dictated by the species being fished. The major exceptions are angler fishing from a vessel with a valid (recreational vessel fishing) license or a charter captain license. There are also exceptions for those under 16 or those using a pole without a line-retrieval mechanism (cane pole) and live or natural bait.
Recreational Saltwater License
The Florida fishing season is yearlong, and Florida residents (anyone living in Florida for six continuous months) can purchase an annual pass for $17. Find it at any county tax collector's office or most bait-and-tackle shops and sports retailers. A five-year license costs $79. A nonresident can purchase a 3-day freshwater license for $17, a 7-day license for $30 or a 12-month license for $47. The license can also be purchased as part of a combo that includes freshwater fishing and/or hunting.
Beginning in July 2009, a shoreline license is required for any Florida resident fishing from the shore, or any structure fixed to the shore, including a dock, jetty or boat. The license costs $9 but is not required if the angler possesses an annual resident saltwater license or if the pier possesses a pier saltwater fishing license.
Bag and Length Limits
Refer to a Florida recreational saltwater fishing regulations chart. (See Resources.) The chart includes dozens of species, including tropical fish and plants. Grouper, snapper and other reef fish are specially protected and have closed-season periods consistent with federal regulations. These regulations are different for Gulf and Atlantic waters. If a species of fish does not have a bag or length limit, two fish or 100 pounds is considered the maximum limit for recreational anglers. Special permits are required to take snook, lobster (crawfish) or tarpon. It is illegal to sell recreationally harvested fish.
Crabs, Shrimp and Lobster
The regular lobster season runs from early August through March, with a two-day sport season in July. You need both a recreational saltwater fishing license and a crawfish permit to participate. Bag limits for lobster are set strictly at six per person. Lobsters must be measured in the water, and must have a carapace of at least three inches for harvesting.
Stone crabs with a 2 3/4-inch claw can be taken between October and May with a saltwater fishing license, but no weapon that can injure the crab (such as a spear or hook) can be used. The lesser of one gallon of claws per person or two gallons per vessel is the limit. The season for blue crab varies by county with a limit of 10 gallons per person. No female crab of any kind can be harvested if it is carrying eggs. Shrimp can be harvested up to 5 gallons (with heads on) per vessel per day throughout the year, except in April and May in select counties.
Resources
About the Author:
Joseph Nicholson is an independent analyst whose publishing achievements include a cover feature for Futures Magazine, and a recurring column in the monthly newsletter of a private mint. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida and is currently attending law school in San Francisco.
Photo Credits:
David Iliff (CC-By-SA 3.0)
