Shoreline fishing license requirement starts Saturday
Florida’s new shoreline fishing license requirement takes effect Saturday, Aug. 1. Resident anglers who fish for saltwater species from shore or a structure affixed to shore must have a $9 shoreline fishing license or a $17 regular saltwater fishing license.
“We were unaware of needing a license,” said Fort Myers resident Troy Hyman.
Officer Joanne Adams, spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, says those who possess an offshore license do not apply to the new rule.
“If you have a regular saltwater fishing license, you will not have to purchase a shoreline fishing license,” she said. “Nonresidents must purchase a regular nonresident saltwater fishing license at $17 for three days, $30 for seven days or $47 for one year, regardless if they fish from shore or a vessel.”
Additional fees may apply to all fishing licenses, depending on where an angler purchases the license.
“The onshore license will cost $7.50 with a $1.50 administrative fee and additional handling fees could also apply,” said Officer Adams.
The shoreline requirement allows exemptions for resident anglers who fish in their home county, using live or natural bait, on a line or pole without a line-retrieval mechanism. This exemption does not apply to anglers who use nets, traps, gigs, spears or who gather seafood by hand or any type of gear other than hook and line.
Other exemptions apply for anglers who qualify for temporary cash assistance, food stamps or Medicaid. Also, resident anglers who are age 65 or older and children under age 16 may fish without a license. Active-duty military personnel may fish without a license while home on leave in Florida.
Licensed fishing piers have licenses that cover everyone who fishes from them.
“You don’t need a license if the pier has a special license itself,” said Officer Adams. “I believe the Pink Shell Resort has a licensed fishing pier. There are only a couple of those in Lee County. You will need a license from a bridge.”
The FWC suggests the $17 regular saltwater fishing license may be the best option for most resident anglers unless they are certain they will fish only from shore or a structure affixed to shore all year.
“If you wade into the water to fish, you will be considered fishing from shore and you’ll still need the shoreline license,” said Officer Adams. “If the angler arrives to a fishing location by boat, he/she must have a regular saltwater fishing license. Be aware that the money will help fund marine resource research and law enforcement.”
By creating the shoreline fishing license, the Florida Legislature arranged for Florida anglers to be exempt from a more expensive federal angler registration requirement that will take effect in 2011.
More information about fishing license requirements, outdoor recreation and FWC programs is available at MyFWC.com. Click on “Newsroom” and “Media Resources.”
*Benefits of new system for anglers
1. Anglers avoid paying federal fees
– An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 anglers in Florida are saving money because they will not have to get a federal license.
– anglers only have to pay for the state license, instead of paying for both a state license and federal license, which is expected to cost between $15 and $25.
2. More money for Florida’s marine fisheries management
– the FWC is estimating that new licenses bought because the shoreline exemption has been repealed will bring in about $1 million in the fiscal year.
– the federal Sport Fish Restoration program gives Florida money based on how many licenses are sold. Florida may receive an additional $861,000 in the first year, depending on the number of new paid license holders.
– the money, both state and federal, that is generated from these new skills will go directly to improving marine fisheries in Florida. There are many programs supported by these dollars that directly benefit marine fisheries management, research, enhancement, boating access, fish health and angler outreach.
3. Improved data for management and quality
– the federal registry will greatly improve the amount of recreational fishing data on catch and effort.
– Florida uses this data to monitor the harvest and the health of its fish population.
– better data will improve state and federal managers’ ability to manage marine fisheries and ensure recreational fishing opportunities for the future.
*information provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.