FLORIDA SALTWATER RECREATIONAL 2018 FISHING REGULATIONS

 2018 Regional Bay  2018 Lionfish  Catch a Florida  2018 License Free Scallop Seasons Challenge Memory Life List Saltwater Fishing Days Page 5 Page 8 Page 22 Sept. 1 & Nov. 24

Applies to Florida State Waters of the Gulf and Atlantic | Issued: July 1, 2018

Search MyFWC on Social Media

Please visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater/Recreational for the most current regulations securealways settings, bethe ready you water! can for FWC’slicenses Auto-Renewrenew and each permitsfeature year!your tolets With automatically nextyou easy setday andyour on 1. Class based on light duty pickups. 2. When properly equipped. 3. Available feature. Ram and RamBox are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC.

JOB: 130838_SEBC FloridaFiShing layoutS SPECS: 4C – CMyK DATE: 04/24/2018 TRIM: 8.25 in X 10.75 in LIVE: 7.5 in X 10 in BLEED: 8.5 in X 11 in FISHING REGULATIONS Contact us Go to MyFWC.com for up-to-date infor- mation on recreational saltwater fishing regulations, news and events as well as resources, publications and videos. Visit the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute online at CONTENTS MyFWC.com/Research For federal fishing regulations, please contact: ■■ Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 888-833-1844 www.gulfcouncil.org ■■ South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 866-SAFMC-10 www.safmc.net ■■ National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) 727-824-5301 www.nmfs.noaa.gov For additional information please contact: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission MarkWallheiser.com MyFWC.com Division of Marine Fisheries Management 2018 FWC Commission Fishing in the Bahamas...... 17 2590 Executive Center Circle East Meeting Dates and Locations...... 2 Berkeley Building Recreational Gear...... 18 Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Marine Fisheries Comments...... 2 850-487-0554 Spearing...... 19 The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis- Commissioners' Message...... 4 Angler Recognition Programs...... 20-21 sion does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability. If 2018 Regional Bay Scallop Season...... 5 Saltwater Angler Recognition you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility of this agency which receives Know Your Management Zones...... 6-7 Life List ...... 22 Federal financial assistance, you should contact/write to: 2018 Lionfish Challenge...... 8 FWC Offices...... 23 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Office of Human Resources, 620 South Meridian Street, Basic Regulations: FWC Division of Law Enforcement...... 23 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600; Telephone 850-488-6411 or contact/write to: Civil Rights Accessibility Coordinator Reef Fish and Pelagics...... 10-11 Licenses and Permits...... 24 for Public Access, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, 5275 Leesburg Coastal Species...... 12 Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041; Telephone 703-358-2349 Crustaceans and Mollusks...... 13 or 703-358-2131. Sharks and Prohibited Species...... 13 Wildlife alert reward program Unregulated Species...... 15 Report fish and wildlife law violations Marine Life Regulations...... 14 by calling toll-free 1-888-404-FWCC (3922); on cell phones, dial *FWC or Florida Youth Conservation #FWC depending on service carrier; or Centers Network...... 15 click MyFWC.com/Contact. New Artificial Reefs...... 16 On the cover Devin Sanderson with a permit caught off Egmont Key, FL and added to his Buy your license online! Saltwater Fish Life List. “I’m Working On My Saltwater Fish Life List” graphic design by Tony Ivory, You can obtain a license 24 hours a day When you buy your TonyIvory.com. at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and begin license online, it’s fast, fishing immediately! Have a picture for the cover? Please send your photographs to: convenient and saves Licenses are also available toll-free at [email protected]. time and travel. 1-888-FISHFLORIDA (1-888-347-4356). Processing fees apply to telephone and Internet sales. GENERAL INFORMATION

Introduction This publication is provided as a guide to Florida fishing laws and regulations. The Florida Admin- istrative 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." How your license fee helps The money collected from saltwater fishing licenses is used to improve and restore fish habitat and for marine fisheries research, law enforcement and public education Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL on marine resources. An additional $.50 fee will be charged for any license or permit not purchased directly from the county tax collector. Obtain immediate license privileges, 24 hours a day, at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by calling toll-free 888-FISH- FLORIDA (347-4356). Processing fees will apply to telephone and Internet sales. By purchasing a fishing license, fishing equipment and motorboat fuel, you also support the Sport Fish Restoration program, a user-pay public-benefit system that funds sport fish conserva- About This Guide tion projects.

2018 Commission meeting dates and locations This high-quality guide is offered to you by Subject to change due to availability of appropriate facilities to hold the meeting. the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Marine Fisheries ■■ September 26–27, 2018 - Tallahassee through its unique partnership with ■■ December 12–13, 2018 - St. Augustine J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC.

For more information about Commission meeting dates, times, locations and agendas, visit The revenue generated through ad sales MyFWC.com and click on “About" and "Commission Meetings” on the top of the page. significantly lowers production costs and generates savings. These savings translate into additional funds for other important agency programs. If you have any feedback or are inter- ested in advertising, please contact us at Share your marine fisheries comments 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com on new saltwater commenting webpage! Graphic Design: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Marine Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski Fisheries Management wants to hear from you. In an effort to keep stakeholders

informed and to gather public input on upcoming issues, a new webpage has been J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the created: MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. official Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations summary on post-consumer recycled paper. Keep track of items expected to be discussed by the Commission in future meetings and provide your thoughts on fishery management in state waters (shore to 3 nautical miles in the Atlantic and shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf) by visiting the new webpage. To comment, fill out the form at the bottom of the commenting page. Comments can also be emailed to Marine@MyFWC. com or submitted over the phone at 850-487-0554.

Have a question instead This guide is also of a comment? available online at Email [email protected], call 850-487-0554 or send your question in via Ask FWC.

2 July 1, 2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Cast Reel Just Get Away

View LIVE webcams of Fort Pierce Jetty or Marina at VisitStLucie.com

Florida’s Newest State-of-the-Art Marina Dock your vessel at Fort Pierce City Marina with over 250 slips, located just 2 miles from Fort Pierce Inlet - one of the best “all weather inlets on the east coast of Florida.” Nearby boat ramps are free. Enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fuel services, and more. Guests are walking distance to shopping, restaurants, galleries, parks, and festive outdoor events.

Go to FortPierceCityMarina.org or call (772) 464-1245 to reserve your slip. VHF radio channels 16 & 17.

Looking for non-stop rod bending action or a trophy snook, trout or tarpon? Then chart a course for Fort Pierce. This world-class fishing destination offers anglers grand slam opportunities inshore on the Indian River Lagoon. And big game fishermen in search of mahi mahi, sailfish or wahoo have easy access offshore into the deep blue Atlantic where the Gulf Stream ranges 15-20 nautical miles from Fort Pierce Inlet. From tides to trails…Plan your fishing adventure today.

To get inspired, go to VisitStLucie.com COMMISSIONERS' MESSAGE

New strategies and strong Saltwater Fishing Clinics partnerships keys to future of fishing Saltwater Fishing Clinics: Florida is world famous for its diverse natural resources, offering • Kids’ Fishing Clinics residents and visitors opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such • Women’s Fishing Clinics as fishing, boating, hunting and shooting sports. Public participation in these activities supports conservation by providing funds as well • Adult Fishing Clinics as encouraging stewardship and civic engagement. Saltwater Fishing Clinics will When you purchase a fishing or hunting license, sport fishing equip- be held statewide throughout ment, pleasure boats, motorboat fuel, firearms, ammunition and archery 2018. For more information, equipment, you are supporting conservation and the future of fishing. including dates and locations, To help encourage this support, Florida is participating in a national contact the FWC Division of effort to recruit new anglers, retain current participants, and reactivate Marine Fisheries Management those who have dropped out of the sport. The FWC’s R3 Fisheries Action at 850-487-0554. Plan will guide the agency’s outreach, education and marketing efforts, as well as evaluate its current programs and initiatives. You can contribute to Florida’s R3 efforts by becoming an ambassador for fishing. Invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or family member who does not fish to accompany you on your next fishing trip. Share with family and friends how revenue from fishing licenses and equipment purchases help fund wildlife and habitat management and promote conservation, ethics and stewardship. Another way you can help with Florida’s R3 efforts is by volunteering for the FWC’s Kids Fishing Clinics or High School Fishing Program. (To volunteer, visit MyFWC.com and click on “Get Involved.”) You can also check out one of our many programs funded by license sales, including our Women and Adult Saltwater Fishing Clinics and our Catch a Florida Memory - Angler Recognition Program (learn more on page 21 & 22). Share your knowledge and skill with the next generation! We hope you’ll join us and our partners to help secure the future for fishing and conservation.

reelFUN Beach

Once you fi sh the turquoise Gulf Coast waters of Panama City Beach, you’ll be hooked! VisitPanamaCityBeach.com 2018 REGIONAL BAY SCALLOP SEASONS

Scallop Feedback

These seasons are only for 2018. We would love to have your feedback. Please comment at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments MANAGEMENT ZONES Know Your Blue Crab Trap Closures The blue crab trap closure map identifies the regions and Management time-frames where recreational traps must be removed from the water or tied to private property. Crabbing can continue during a trap closure period with other legal gear or with traps Zones that are attached to private property. For more information on trap closures please visit: For most species, Florida's recreational bag MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater/Recreational/Blue-Crab. 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 following maps provide information regarding three species that have specific management zones where bag limits or rules vary by region. Great barracuda (map not included) also has a new bag limit of two fish per person and six per vessel that applies within all state and federal waters off Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties. Barracuda is not specifically regulated in other areas. MANAGEMENT ZONES

Red Drum Spotted Seatrout Management Zones Management Zones

For red drum, there are three management zones. The Spotted seatrout has four management zones and the daily bag limit is one fish in the northwest and south zones recreational bag limit is six fish in the northeast region, and two fish in the northeast zone. five fish in the northwest region, and four fish in the southeast and southwest zones.

Whether you like to fish or the comforts of riding, Mike’s Marine Supply has the boats to fit your needs. • Boats & Motors • Factory Promotions • Service & Parts

850-984-5637 or 850-984-5693 1296 Coastal Highway Panacea, FL www.mikesmarineflorida.com

STORE HOURS Mon-Tue: 8:00-5:00 Wed: 8:00-1:00 Thu-Sat: 8:00-5:00 Closed Sundays 2018 LIONFISH CHALLENGE Sharpen your spears, the 2018 Lionfish Challenge is here

Divers: Get ready for another exciting year of additional prizes! Items include customized lionfish hunting. After two years and nearly harvesting gear, beach towels, Engel tum- 43,000 lionfish removed as part of the previ- blers, TurtleSkin puncture proof gloves, reus- ous years incentive programs, the 2018 Lionfish able heat packs for lionfish stings and more. Challenge is sure to follow suit. The program Thanks to our generous sponsors, kicked off on Lionfish Removal and Awareness participants who harvest and submit an Day, May 19 and will continue through Labor FWC-tagged lionfish are eligible to win Day (Sept. 3). Adding to the excitement, this a cash prize up to $5,000. FWC-tagged year’s Challenge includes a new tagged-lionfish lionfish may be found on 50 randomly component, encouraging divers to harvest more selected artificial reefs on the Atlantic and lionfish while in search of FWC-tagged lionfish Gulf coasts of Florida in water depths of that are worth up to $5,000 in cash. 80-120 ft. Visit ReefRangers.com or the Lionfish are a nonnative species that have FWC Artificial Reefs webpage for a list of become well established throughout the Gulf potential reef locations. Be sure to keep of Mexico, Western Atlantic, and Caribbean an eye out for these valuable tagged fish Sea. First seen off the coast of Florida in the during your summer harvesting efforts! mid-1980s, these voracious predators have been The recreational harvester who submits coined the worst marine invasion to date. Their the most lionfish will be crowned the Lionfish high reproductive output, 18 venomous spines, King/Queen and the commercial harvester and gluttony make them a threat to native spe- who submits the most lionfish cies and ecosystems. by weight will be named the To participate in the 2018 Lionfish Challenge Commercial Champion. Both and the tagged-lionfish component, divers must winners will be rewarded and register at MyFWC.com/Lionfish. Participants recognized for their outstand- will compete in either the recreational or com- ing removal efforts. Additional mercial category (note: active Saltwater Prod- rewards and recognition will ucts License holders with commercial lionfish be given to the second and sales within the last year can only compete in third place position in each the commercial category). harvesting category. Participants in the recreational category that Get recognized for your submit 25 lionfish (25 lbs. for commercial) will lionfish removal efforts and receive a 2018 Lionfish Challenge t-shirt, com- compete for the crown in memorative coin and the opportunity to harvest the 2018 Lionfish Challenge. an additional spiny lobster per day during the two- Learn more at MyFWC. day sport season. Submit more lionfish and earn com/Lionfish. Make reel memories. Stuart, located in Martin County, is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is home to 100 artificial reef systems and over 800 species of fish. Its climate, waterways, natural environment and opportunity for diverse catches make it a mecca for fishermen and nautical explorers year-round. An array of unique shops, fine restaurants, great golf courses and quiet beaches make a day ashore fun, too. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories. Plan your trip at discovermartin.com You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.

for your boat geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2017 GEICO Issued: July 2018 Florida Recreational New regulations are highlighted in red Regulations apply to state waters of the Gulf and Atlantic Saltwater Fishing Regulations (please visit: MyFWC.com/Fishing/Saltwater/Recreational for the most current regulations) All art: © Diane Rome Peebles, except snowy grouper (Duane Raver) Reef Fish Snapper

General Snapper Regulations: ••Snapper Aggregate Bag Limit - Within state waters ul of the Atlantic and Gulf, Snapper, Cubera  u l Snapper, Red  u l X Snapper, Vermilion X Snapper, Lane  u l all species of snapper are Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: included in a 10 fish per ••Atlantic and Gulf - 12" (see remarks) ••Atlantic - 20" ••Atlantic - 12" ••Atlantic and Gulf - 8" harvester per day aggregate ••Gulf - 16" ••Gulf - 10" bag limit in any combination Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: of snapper species, unless ••Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester Season: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Atlantic - 10 per harvester stated otherwise. under 30", included within snapper ••Atlantic - Open year-round ••Atlantic - 5 per harvester not included ••Gulf - 100 pounds per harvester, not ••Seasons – If no seasonal aggregate bag limit ••Gulf – June 11 - July 20, 2018 within snapper aggregate bag limit included within snapper aggregate ••May additionally harvest up to 2 per ••Gulf - 10 per harvester not included bag limit information is provided, the Daily Recreational Bag Limit: species is open year-round. harvester or vessel-whichever is less- within snapper aggregate bag limit over 30", and these 2 fish over 30" are ••Atlantic and Gulf - 2 per harvester not included within snapper aggregate ••Gulf - Zero daily bag and possession limit bag limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels.

Other Snapper  u l Minimum Size Limits: ••Atlantic and Gulf - 12" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester Remarks ••Includes: Blackfin, Dog, Mahogany, Snapper, Gray Snapper, Snapper, Black Queen, Silk and Yellowtail (Mangrove)  u l Snapper, Mutton  u l Schoolmaster  u l & Wenchman  l Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: ••Atlantic and Gulf - 10" ••Atlantic and Gulf - 18" ••Atlantic and Gulf - 10" ••Atlantic and Gulf - None Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester ••Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per harvester ••Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester ••Atlantic and Gulf - 10 per harvester Grouper

Atlantic Grouper General Regulations: ••Atlantic grouper regulations apply to all state waters of the Atlantic and all state waters Grouper, Warsaw off Monroe County (Gulf and Grouper, Black  u l X Grouper, Snowy  l Grouper, Red  u l X & Speckled Hind  l Atlantic sides). Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: ••Atlantic Grouper Aggre- ••Atlantic - 24" ••Atlantic and Gulf - None ••Atlantic and Gulf - 20" ••Atlantic and Gulf - None gate Bag Limit - all species ••Gulf - 24" of grouper plus golden Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Season: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: tilefish in the Atlantic Season: ••Atlantic - 1 per harvester ••Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 ••Atlantic and Gulf - 1 per vessel per day are included in a 3 fish ••Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 ••Gulf - 4 per harvester ••Gulf - Open year-round of each species per harvester per day ••Gulf - Open year-round Daily Recreational Bag Limit: aggregate bag limit in any Daily Recreational Bag Limit: combination of grouper/ ••Atlantic - 3 per harvester ••Atlantic - 1 per harvester. Only 1 fish golden tilefish species. ••Gulf - 2 per Harvester* can be gag or black ••Seasons – If no seasonal ••Gulf - 4 per harvester* information is provided, the species is open year-round. Gulf Grouper General Regulations: ••Gulf grouper regulations apply Grouper, Yellowfin to all state waters of the Gulf Grouper, Scamp  u l Gag Grouper  u l X Other Grouper  l & Yellowmouth  u l except off Monroe County Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Other Grouper includes: Minimum Size Limits: (where Atlantic rules apply). ••Atlantic - 20" ••Atlantic - 24" ••Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney and ••Atlantic and Gulf - 20" ••Gulf Grouper Aggregate ••Gulf - 16" ••Gulf - 24" Graysby, Misty, and Yellowedge Bag Limit - all species of Season: grouper in the Gulf are Season: Season: Minimum Size Limit: ••Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 included in a 4 fish per har- ••Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 ••Atlantic - Closed: Jan. 1–April 30 ••Atlantic and Gulf - None ••Gulf - Open year-round ••Gulf - Open year-round ••Gulf - State waters off Franklin, Wakulla, vester per day aggregate Season: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Jefferson and Taylor counties: Open April 1 bag limit in any combina- Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Atlantic - Closed Jan. 1–April 30 –June 30, & Sept 1–Dec. 31. ••Atlantic - 3 per harvester tion of grouper species. ••Atlantic - 3 per harvester ••Gulf - Open year-round ••Gulf - State waters off all other ••Gulf - 4 per harvester ••Seasons – If no seasonal ••Gulf - 4 per harvester information is provided, the counties: Open June 1–Dec. 31 Daily Recreational Bag Limit: species is open year-round. Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Atlantic - 3 per harvester ••Gulf - 4 per harvester * Zero bag limit for captain and crew ••Atlantic - 1 per harvester. Only 1 fish of for-hire vessels applies to gag, can be gag or black black, and red grouper only. ••Gulf - 2 per harvester* All art: © Diane Rome Peebles, except golden tilefish (Duane Raver); lionfish (FWC) Reef Fish

Other Reef Fish (If no season information is provided, the species is open year-round)

Amberjack, Greater  l X Great Barracuda u n Hogfish  l Triggerfish (Gray)  l X Minimum Size Limits: Regulations only apply in Collier, Monroe, Miami- Atlantic regulations apply to Monroe county Minimum Size Limits: ••Atlantic - 28" fork length Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties. ••Atlantic – 12" fork length ••Gulf - 34" fork length Minimum Size Limits: ••Gulf - 15" fork length Minimum Size Limits: ••Atlantic - 16" fork length Season: ••Not less than 15" or more than 36" ••Gulf - 14" fork length Season: ••Atlantic - Open year-round ••Atlantic - Open year-round Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Gulf - Open May 1–May 31 and Aug. 1–Oct. 31. Season: ••Gulf - March 1–May 31 and Aug. 1–Dec. 31. ••2 per person or 6 per vessel ••Atlantic - Open May 1–Oct. 31 Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••May possess one over 36" per vessel. ••Gulf - Open year round Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Atlantic and Gulf - 1 per harvester ••Unregulated in all other areas. ••Atlantic - 10 per harvester Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Gulf - 1 per harvester Remarks ••Atlantic - 1 per harvester ••Unregulated in all other areas see pg. 15 ••Gulf - 5 per harvester

Amberjack, Lesser & Red Porgy  u l Tilefish, Golden  l Banded Rudderfish  l X Black Sea Bass  u l Minimum Size Limits: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: ••Atlantic - 14" ••Atlantic - 1 per harvester ••Atlantic and Gulf - Cannot be less than 14" or ••Atlantic - 13" ••Gulf - None ••Gulf - 4 per harvester greater than 22" fork length ••Gulf - 10" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Remarks Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Atlantic - 3 per harvester ••Golden tilefish included within Atlantic and Gulf ••Atlantic and Gulf - 5 per person aggregate of the ••Atlantic - 7 per harvester ••Gulf - 100 pounds Grouper aggregate bag limits two species ••Gulf - 100 pounds per harvester

Pelagics

Billfish  H Swordfish H Mackerel, King  Mackerel, Spanish  Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: ••Sailfish 63"; ••47" lower jaw fork length with head attached or ••24" fork length ••12" fork length ••Blue Marlin 99"; 25" cleithrum to keel length if head removed ••White Marlin 66"; Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Roundscale Spearfish 66" ••Atlantic (excluding Monroe) - 2 per harvester ••15 per harvester ••1 per harvester per day, not to exceed a maximum ••Gulf (including Monroe) - 3 per harvester Daily Recreational Bag Limit: of 4 per recreational (not for-hire) vessel or 15 per ••1 per harvester aggregate bag limit for-hire vessel Remarks ••Bag limit reduced to 1 in some state waters if Remarks Remarks federal waters are closed to recreational harvest. ••Measured tip of lower jaw to fork. All landed ••All landed fish must be reported to NOAA within fish must be reported to NOAA within 24 hours 24 hours 800-894-5528. HMS permit required 800-894-5528 or hmspermits.noaa.gov. in federal waters. Zero daily bag and possession ••HMS permit required in federal waters. limit for captain and crew of for-hire vessels.

Wahoo  Cobia (Ling)  Tripletail  H u T n Dolphinfish  Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: ••None ••33" fork length ••18" ••Atlantic - 20" fork length ••Gulf - None Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••2 per harvester ••1 per harvester, not to exceed 2 per vessel ••2 per harvester Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••10 per harvester per day, not to exceed 60 per Remarks vessel per day. Vessel limit does not apply to ••Hook and line only. No snatch hooks. for-hire vessels.

Scan this code with your Buy your license online at Report fish and wildlife mobile device to view the GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or law violations toll free at: regulations online. toll free at: 1-888-347-4356 1-888-404-3922 Coastal Species

Pompano, Bluefish  n Blue Runner n Bonefish H n African l H  T n Sheepshead l  u T n Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: ••12" fork length ••No minimum ••0 per harvester ••24" fork length ••12" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Remarks Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••10 per harvester ••100 fish per harvester ••Catch and release only ••2 per harvester per day, not to exceed ••8 per harvester ••Hook and line only 2 per vessel Remarks ••Snatching prohibited ••Vessel limit of 50 fish during March and April

Snook Spotted Weakfish  H u (All species)  H u T n Seatrout l H  u T n Permit l  H T n Tarpon l H T n Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Recreational Bag Limit: ••Weakfish Management Area (WMA) in ••Not less than 28" or more than 32" ••Not less than 15" or more than 20" ••22" fork Special Permit Zone (SPZ); ••1 per harvester per year. $50 harvest Nassau County - 12" Atlantic excluding Monroe (See remarks) Not less than 11" or more than 22" tag required. Vessel limit of one fish. ••All other areas - no minimum ••Not less than 28" or more than 33" fork length all other areas Harvest tag can only be used when fish Gulf and Monroe County Daily Recreational Bag Limit: is retained for potential IGFA record. Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••5 per harvester per day N.W. Zone Closed Season: ••WMA - 1 per harvester Closed Season: ••4 per harvester per day S.W. Zone ••April 1–July 31 SPZ Only Remarks ••All other areas - 100 pounds per ••Atlantic (excluding Monroe) closed ••4 per harvester per day S.E. Zone ••Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in Daily Recreational Bag Limit: harvester Dec. 15–Jan. 31 and June 1–Aug. 31. ••6 per harvester per day N.E. Zone the water during release. Spearing and ••1 per harvester, not to exceed 2 per ••Gulf including Monroe County, Dec. 1– snatch hooking prohibited. Bottom Remarks vessel SPZ; end of February, and May 1–Aug. 31. Remarks weighted jigs prohibited in Boca Grande ••Regulations apply in parts of Nassau ••2 per harvester all other state waters ••May possess no more than 1 over 20"; Pass. See: MyFWC.com/Fishing/ County only. Daily Recreational Bag Limit: included in the regional bag limit. See Saltwater/Recreational/Tarpon for ••See map at: MyFWC.com/Fishing/ Remarks ••1 per harvester management zone map at MyFWC.com. additional information. Saltwater/Recreational/Weakfish ••May possess 1 over 22" fork length Remarks outside the SPZ, not to exceed 2 over ••Snook permit required for harvest 22" fork per vessel per day. For map of when saltwater license required. See SPZ, please see: MyFWC.com. MyFWC.com for snook permit details. ••Zero daily bag and possession limit for Snatch hooks and spearing prohibited. captain and crew on for-hire vessels ••Zero daily bag and possession limit for captain and crew on for-hire vessels

Mullet, Striped Pompano, Red Drum Black Drum  u T n Flounder  u T (Black) & Silver Florida  H T n (Redfish)  H u T Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limits: Size Limits: ••Not less than 14" or more than 24" ••12" ••No minimum size ••11" fork length ••Not less than 18" or more than 27" Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••5 per harvester ••10 per harvester ••50 aggregate per harvester; ••6 per harvester ••2 per harvester per day in the NE zone, ••Aggregate vessel limits and 1 per harvester in the NW and S Remarks Remarks Feb. 1–Aug. 31: 100 per vessel; Remarks zone. See map on p. 6 ••May possess one over 24". Snatching ••May be harvested by spearing. Sept. 1–Jan. 31: 50 per vessel ••Hook and line, cast net and beach or ••Off the water possession limit of 6 fish prohibited. Snatching prohibited. haul seine ONLY. Remarks ••Gigging, spearing, snatching prohibited. Harvest in Federal waters prohibited.

H Spearing Prohibited l Additional gear rules apply, please see: MyFWC.com  Must remain in whole condition (removal of gills and guts allowed). T Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook (any hook with two or u Measured as total length. Total length is the straight line distance from the most more points and a common shaft) in conjunction with live or dead natural bait. forward part of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with X Gulf reef fish survey required when fishing for selected reef species from a private the tail compressed or squeezed together while the fish is lying on its side. vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. n State regulations apply in federal waters. Crustaceans and Mollusks

Bay Scallops l Spiny Lobster H  Crab, Stone H n Oysters Season: Minimum Size Limit: Minimum Size Limits: Minimum Size Limit: Gulf County: Aug. 17-Sept. 30, 2018 ••Carapace must be greater than 3" measured in ••2 ¾" claw ••3" Franklin-NW Taylor & Levy-Hernando: July 1-Sept. 24 the water SW Taylor-Dixie: June 16-Sept. 10, 2018 Closed Season: Closed Season: Seasons: Pasco County: July 20-29 ••May 16–Oct. 14 ••June, July, Aug. in Dixie, Wakulla, Levy counties. ••Sport Season open July 25-26, 2018 ••July, Aug., Sept. in all other areas except Apala- Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Regular Season opens Aug. 6 through March 31 chicola Bay which has open areas year-round. ••2 gallons whole or 1 pint meat per harvester; no ••1 gal. claws per harvester or 2 gal. per vessel, Daily Recreational Bag Limit: more than 10 gallons whole, or ½ gallon meat whichever is less Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••Sport Season: 6 per harvester per day in Monroe ••2 bags per harvester or vessel except Apala- per vessel anytime Remarks County and Biscayne National Park, 12 in all chicola Bay Remarks other harvest areas. ••5 traps maximum. Visit MyFWC.com for statewide ••Harvest allowed only in state waters of the Gulf of ••Regular Season: 6 per harvester in all areas trap construction requirements and specific Remarks Mexico from the Pinellas - Pasco county line, to requirements that apply in Miami-Dade, Monroe ••Aplachicola Bay: special bag limits and other Remarks the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay and Collier. Illegal to possess whole crab. Harvest harvest restrictions apply. See MyFWC.com for ••Recreational trapping prohibited. Spiny lobster County. It is illegal to harvest, possess and land of egg-bearing crabs prohibited. detailed information. permit required when license required. Harvest bay scallops on waters outside open harvest area. ••Apalachicola Bay has summer & winter seasons/ of egg-bearing females prohibited. ••See pg. 5 for regional map areas. ••Harvest from approved shellfish areas during daylight hours only. ••Go to FloridaAquaculture.com to determine the Shrimp  Clams (Hard) l Crab, Blue H Open or Closed status of shellfish harvesting areas. Closed Season: Minimum Size Limits: Closed Season: ••May not harvest half hour after official sunset ••April & May closed in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, ••1" thick across hinge ••Regional trap closures apply. See map on page 6 until half hour before official sunrise. Putnam, Flagler & Clay counties or visit MyFWC.com for 2018 trap closure dates ••1 Bag = 60 lbs. or two 5 gal. buckets (whole Daily Recreational Bag Limit: and locations. in shell) Daily Recreational Bag Limit: ••One 5 gal. bucket per harvester or 2 per vessel ••Harvest prohibited in any harvest area that ••5 gallons heads on per harvester or vessel, (whole in shell) Daily Recreational Bag Limit: is in the Closed status as determined by the whichever is less ••10 gallons whole per harvester Remarks Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Remarks ••Illegal to harvest from closed areas. Remarks Services. ••Visit: MyFWC.com/Fishing and select "Saltwater", ••Go to www.FloridaAquaculture.com for allowable ••5 traps maximum. Trap requirements apply. ••Bay County: Harvest and possession prohibited "Regulations" and "Shrimp" for additional regula- harvesting areas. Harvest of egg-bearing crabs prohibited. in West Bay Estuarine Habitat Restoration tions specific to Dade, Nassau and Duval ••May not harvest half hour after official sunset Project Zone until half hour before official sunrise.

Sharks

Daily Recreational Bag Limit: Retainable Sharks with a 54" fork length minimum  H T ••1 per harvester or 2 per vessel per day, whichever is less. Blue, oceanic whitetip, porbeagle, shortfin mako (not illustrated). Remarks ••The retainable sharks are managed as a group for bag limit purposes. In other words, you can only harvest one shark per day and the shark that you harvest must be one of the retainable species. Bull Common Thresher ••Hook-and-line gear only. ••See list of prohibited species below. Nurse Spinner

Retainable Sharks with no minimum size limit  T

Atlantic Sharpnose Blacknose Blacktip

Bonnethead Finetooth Smooth Dogfish

Prohibited Species

It is unlawful to harvest, possess, land, purchase, sell or exchange the following species: Goliath Grouper (Jewfish), Nassau Grouper, Sawfish, Atlantic Angel Shark, Basking Shark, Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark, Bigeye Sixgill Shark, Bigeye Thresher Shark, Bignose Shark, Caribbean Reef Shark, Caribbean Sharpnose Shark, Dusky Shark, Galapagos Shark, Lemon Shark, Longfin Mako Shark, Narrowtooth Shark, Night Shark, Silky Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Sandbar Shark, Sevengill Shark, Sixgill Shark, Smalltail Shark, Spiny Dogfish, Whale Shark, White Shark, Tiger Shark, Greater, Scalloped and Smooth Hammerhead Shark, Manta Ray, Devil Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Longbill Spearfish, Mediterranean Spearfish, Sturgeon, Queen Conch, Calico Scallop, Stony, Hard, Black and Fire Corals, Sea Fans, Bahama Starfish, and Longspine Urchin. Harvest of live rock in state waters is prohibited. Puffer fish harvest is prohibited in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.

FWC – Division of Marine Fisheries Management, 2590 Executive Center Circle East, Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: 850-487-0554 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. MARINE LIFE

Marine life regulations Marine Life — Fish SIZE LIMITS SPECIES REMARKS1 Requirements for marine life (total length unless otherwise noted) Gray, French Angelfish: 1½–8" slot limit (aquarium species) harvest: No more than 5 per person per day in Angelfish Blue, Queen Angelfish: 1¾–8" slot limit ■ any combination ■ Recreational saltwater fishing license Rock Beauty: 2–5" slot limit ■■ Organisms must be landed and kept alive ■ Butterflyfish 1–4" slot limit ■ A continuously circulating live well, aeration Except Unicorn Filefish, Filefish/Triggerfish or oxygenation system of adequate size to Gray Triggerfish and Ocean Triggerfish maintain these organisms in a healthy Gobies Maximum size limit: 2" condition Hamlets/Seabasses Except reef fish2 and Longtail Bass ■ ■ Allowable Gear: hand-held net, drop net, Jawfish Maximum size limit: 4" rod, barrier net, slurp gun (use of quinaldine Parrotfish Maximum size limit: 12" is prohibited)* Porkfish Minimum size limit: 1½" ■ ■ Bag Limit: 20 organisms per person per day; Pufferfish, Includes Sharpnose Pufferfish, Striped only 5 of any one species allowed within the Burrfish, Burrfish, Spotted Burrfish, Balloonfish, 20-organism bag limit Balloonfish, Porcupinefish ■■ Possession Limit: 2-day possession limit, Porcupinefish 40 total organisms, no more than 10 of any Tangs and Surgeonfish Maximum size limit (fork length): 9" Spanish Hogfish: 2–8" slot limit one species allowed Wrasse/Hogfish/Razorfish Except Hogfish Snapper ■■ Allowable substrate: see species specifica- Cuban Hogfish: 3–8" slot limit tions in table Other Marine Life fish include1: Basslets, Batfish, Blackbar Soldierfish, Blennies, Brotulas (Black and Key), ■■ Closed areas: Some closed areas exist** Cardinalfish, Clingfish, Cornetfish, Damselfish, Eels (Moray and Snake), Frogfish, Hawkfish, High-hat/Jackknife- ■■ Sale of recreationally caught marine life fish/Spotted Drum/Cubbyu, Pipefish, Reef Croakers, Seahorses, Sleepers, Yellow Stingray, Sweepers, Toadfish, Trumpetfish and Trunkfish/Cowfish. organisms is prohibited ■■ Regulations also apply in federal waters

* Some organisms have additional gear limita- Marine Life — Invertebrates 1 tions, see chart. SPECIES REMARKS Corallimorphs and Zoanthids: No more than 5 polyps of each may be landed per person per day, must be harvested with a flexible blade no wider than 2". Coral- Anemones ** Various closed areas exist. See regulations limorphs must be harvested as single polyps only. Zero bag limit on Giant Anemone for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctu- (Condylactis gigantea). ary, Everglades National Park, Biscayne Conch, Queen Harvest prohibited National Park and Florida’s State Parks Corals: Hard ,stony, fire Harvest prohibited before collecting in these areas. & black No more than 6 octocoral colonies per person per day in any combination; harvest Octocorals Additional rules apply to the collection of of attached substrate within 1" of base is permitted; harvest closes when quota met. shells containing live organisms in Lee or Crab, Hermit Except Land Hermit Crabs Manatee counties. Crab, Horseshoe Harvest prohibited Live Rock Harvest prohibited Octopods3 Except Common Octopus Sea Fans Harvest of Venus Sea Fan and Common (Purple) Sea Fan prohibited Siphonophores/Hydroids Harvest of Fire Coral prohibited Except Sheepswool, Yellow, Grass, Glove, Finger, Wire, Reef and Velvet Sponges; no more than 5 sponges per harvester per day in any combination; harvest of substrate Sponges within 1" of base permitted north and west of the southernmost point of Egmont Register Key, no substrate allowed south of Egmont Key Your Starfish3 Harvest of Bahama Starfish (Cushion Sea Star) prohibited Event Urchins3 Except Sand Dollars & Sea Biscuits; harvest of Longspine Urchin prohibited Ready Other Marine Life invertebrates include1: Brittlestars3, Decorator (Furcate Spider) Crab, False Arrow Crab, Green Clinging (Emerald) Crab, Nimble Spray (Urchin) Crab, Red Mithrax Crab, Red-Ridged Clinging Crab, Spotted Por- celain Crab, Yellowline Arrow Crab, Fileclams3, Upside-down Jellyfish, Nudibranchs/Sea Slugs3, Sea Cucumbers3, A QUICK, LOW COST TOURNAMENT AUTOMATION SOLUTION! Sea Lilies, Cleaner/Peppermint Shrimp, Coral Shrimp, Snapping Shrimp, Nassarius Snails3, Starsnails3, Feather- duster Worms and Calcareous Tube Worms. We provide a website for sponsors and organizations to setup your tournament! During the event we provide a page where the weights may be entered for each Marine Life — Plants participant and a leaderboard to rank the sh and determine the winners! SPECIES LIMITS Mobile friendly • $2 per participant Algae, Coralline Red fishingtournamentsolutions.com Caulerpa One gallon of tropical ornamental marine plants per day in any Halimeda/Mermaid's Fan/ combination; 2 gallon maximum possession limit Mermaid's Shaving Brush On the Little Manatee River 1–Unless otherwise noted, combined bag limit of 20 marine life fish and invertebrates per person per day, tampasouthrvresort.com only 5 of any one species allowed. A 2-day possession limit also applies (40 total organisms, only 10 of any 2900 S US Hwy 41 one species). Ruskin, FL 33570 2–Such as groupers, snappers, seabass and amberjacks. Must abide by regulations for these species on pages 10–11. 813-645-1202 3–Bag limit of 2 live shells of any single species per harvester per day in Manatee County. Harvest prohibited in Lee County.

14 July 1, 2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2000 !

Unregulated Species

Can't find you fish in Your donations the regulations? Florida’s coastal waters are home to thousands of marine support youth species, and the majority of these species have no specific regulations with regard to bag limits, size limits, gear fishing programs restrictions or closed seasons. These species are often referred to as “unregulated species,” although the name can be a bit misleading. State law provides that for any marine species It’s never been easier that does not have specific regulations, harvesting more than 100 pounds or two fish (whichever is the greater amount) to support youth constitutes a commercial quantity and requires a commercial fishing programs. license. This means the recreational harvest limit for any Simply add a unregulated species is 100 pounds or two organisms if the combined weight of the two organisms exceeds 100 pounds. donation at checkout when you buy your fishing license.

Blackfin Tuna Hardhead Catfish

Jack Crevalle White Grunt Gulf Kingfish

Examples of "unregulated species" include: Ladyfish, bonito, menhaden, white grunt, southern stingray, gulf kingfish (whiting), pinfish, Atlantic croaker, jack crevalle, cero mackerel, hardhead Florida Youth Conservation catfish, gafftopsail catfish and blackfin tuna. Centers Network NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF LOCATIONS New Artificial Reef Locations

Florida manages one of the most diverse, and most active artificial reef programs in the United States. As of March 2018, the FWC Artificial Reef Program reports over 3,335 artificial reef deployment locations state-wide. Between August 2017 and March 2018, 16 new artificial reefs were constructed, and their location listed in the table below. To download a complete list of Florida’s artificial reef locations in a variety of digital formats, view on an interactive map and learn more about Florida’s artificial reef program please visit MyFWC.com/ArtificialReefs.

Artifical Reef Highlights Deploy DeployID County Deployment Name Material Tons Relief Depth Lat (DM) Long (DM) Date BA0397 Bay 5/9/17 MB 215 10 Ecosystem Pedestal Modules 15 5 21 29° 55.895' N 85° 28.897' W BA0404 Bay 5/9/17 MB 217 10 Ecosystem Pedestal Modules 15 5 21 29° 55.480' N 85° 28.597' W BA0424 Bay 5/2/17 Mexico Beach CDC Reef 2 Ecosystem Pedestal Modules 3 5 20 29° 54.474' N 85° 27.836' W BA0430 Bay 5/2/17 Billy Gillen Memorial Reef 2 Ecosystem Pedestal Modules 3 5 21 29° 54.137' N 85° 27.333' W Karl Sinclair Franz Memorial BA0419 Bay 4/26/17 2 Ecosystem Pedestal Modules 3 5 23 29° 54.466' N 85° 28.463' W Reef BE0066 Brevard 7/17/17 Bernhardt Pyramids 23 Florida Limestone Modules 69 8 79 28° 21.889' N 80° 17.681' W BO0116 Broward 8/19/17 Okinawa Reef 107' Steel Tugboat, the "Okinawa" 305 33 70 26° 14.011' N 80° 04.210' W 50 Reef Ball Modules & 109 Tons of Limestone CH0041 Charlotte 7/27/17 Palm Island Ferry Limestone 192 7 61 26° 49.184' N 82° 31.951' W Boulders CO0119 Collier 6/27/17 Foote Family Reef - Turtle Reef 34 Florida Limestone Modules 102 8 54 26° 01.218' N 82° 06.509' W ES0207 Escambia 9/18/17 Park West Snorkel Reef 2017 5 Reef Ball Modules 2 3 12 30° 19.672' N 87° 10.874' W ES0200 Escambia 6/27/17 Casino Beach 2017-1 5 Modules; 1 Super Reef & 4 Florida Limestones 30 18 58 30° 18.787' N 87° 07.437' W ES0201 Escambia 6/27/17 Casino Beach 2017-2 5 Modules; 1 Super Reef & 4 Florida Limestones 30 18 58 30° 18.798' N 87° 07.394' W ES0202 Escambia 6/27/17 Casino Beach 2017-3 6 Modules; 1 Super Reef & 5 Florida Limestones 33 18 58 30° 18.806' N 87° 07.342' W ES0203 Escambia 6/27/17 Casino Beach 2017-4 5 Modules; 1 Super Reef & 4 Florida Limestones 30 18 58 30° 18.814' N 87° 07.299' W ES0204 Escambia 6/27/17 Casino Beach 2017-5 5 Modules; 1 Super Reef & 4 Florida Limestones 30 18 58 30° 18.823' N 87° 07.251' W ES0205 Escambia 6/27/17 Casino Beach 2017-6 6 Modules; 1 Super Reef & 5 Florida Limestones 33 18 58 30° 18.754' N 87° 07.383' W ES0206 Escambia 6/27/17 Casino Beach 2017-7 6 Modules; 2 Super Reefs & 4 Florida Limestones 48 18 58 30° 18.762' N 87° 07.333' W Orchid Island Artificial Reef IR0013 Indian River 7/18/17 14 Florida Limestone Modules 42 8 55 27° 50.235' N 80° 21.683' W Complex LE0122 Lee 7/19/17 2017 East Patch 603 Tons of Concrete Culverts 603 8 45 26° 22.045' N 82° 17.121' W LE0123 Lee 7/17/17 2017 West Patch 398 Tons of Concrete Culverts 399 10 45 26° 22.043' N 82° 17.464' W ME0093 Manatee 6/30/17 Borden 1N-1706 969 Tons of Limestone Boulders 969 8 39 27° 24.524' N 82° 47.772' W ME0094 Manatee 6/30/17 Borden 3S-1706 525 Tons of Limestone Boulders 526 8 40 27° 24.452' N 82° 47.795' W Key Biscayne Connection - DA0226 Miami-Dade 7/17/17 305 Tons of Limestone Boulders 305 8 59 25° 41.778' N 80° 05.258' W Pile C DA0227 Miami-Dade 6/26/17 Eternal Reef #24 16 Reef Ball Modules 11 4 43 25° 57.738' N 80° 05.865' W OK0275 Okaloosa 9/7/17 Fish Haven 15 - 2017 Concrete Targets from Eglin Air Force Base 370 11 69 30° 21.891' N 86° 42.375' W OK0276 Okaloosa 9/5/17 Fish Haven 16 - 2017 Concrete Targets from Eglin Air Force Base 395 10 66 30° 20.891' N 86° 46.875' W Andrew Harris No Shoes Reef 136 Coral Head Modules & 1,000 Tons of Lime- PB0101 Palm Beach 8/15/17 1,550 10 57 26° 57.859' N 80° 03.271' W 2017 stone Boulders PB0100 Palm Beach 5/12/17 Flagler Bridge Material - Site 5 Flagler Bridge Material Deployed Between 6 Sites 8,938 10 70 26° 47.480' N 80° 01.079' W ST0187 Sarasota 8/4/17 M-8 Fallen Heroes - 2017 50 Modules and 116.5 Tons of Limestone Boulders 199 5 60 27° 12.594' N 82° 48.186' W ST0190 Sarasota 6/12/17 Silvertooth - 25 14 Modules; 10 Bay Ball & 4 Pallet Ball Modules 6 3 30 27° 17.154' N 82° 35.967' W 65' X 30' X 5' Steel Barge & 1,036 Tons of SL0056 St. Lucie 5/16/17 Kerry L. Dillon Memorial Reef 1,096 19 57 27° 32.184' N 80° 11.112' W Secondary-Use Concrete WL0013 Walton 8/22/17 Fish Reef 95 Ecosystem Reef Modules 128 6 17 30° 16.232' N 86° 00.360' W WL0011 Walton 8/19/17 Seahorse Reef 78 Ecosystem Reef Modules 105 6 18 30° 21.381' N 86° 16.666' W WL0012 Walton 8/19/17 Grayton Turtle Reef 5 Ecosystem Reef Modules 7 6 19 30° 19.331' N 86° 09.483' W WL0010 Walton 8/16/17 Dolphin Reef 77 Ecosystem Reef Modules 104 6 20 30° 22.549' N 86° 23.306' W 32 Modules; 1 Super Reef, 16 Florida Limestones, WL0023 Walton 7/27/17 Fish Haven 1 Center Patch 124 18 75 30° 19.323' N 86° 17.875' W & 15 Grouper 30 Modules; 1 Super Reef, 15 Florida Limestones, WL0024 Walton 7/27/17 Fish Haven 2 Center Patch 118 18 89 30° 16.112' N 86° 13.870' W & 14 Grouper 30 Modules; 1 Super Reef, 15 Florida Limestones, WL0014 Walton 7/27/17 Miramar Beach Center Patch 98 18 62 30° 21.874' N 86° 23.356' W & 14 Grouper 31 Modules; 1 Super Reef, 15 Florida Limestones, WL0015 Walton 7/27/17 Topsail Bluff Center Patch 101 18 61 30° 21.373' N 86° 19.357' W & 15 Grouper 32 Modules; 1 Super Reef, 16 Florida Limestones, WL0016 Walton 7/27/17 Fort Panic Center Patch 124 18 61 30° 20.375' N 86° 15.361' W & 15 Grouper

16 July 1, 2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission BAHAMA FISHING New options for anglers fishing in the Bahamas

Bringing fish caught in the Bahamas back to Florida by water is now easier than ever. Anglers may now transport and land filleted dolphin, wahoo and reef fish that were caught in Bahamian waters. These regulations apply to fish being transported to Florida by water only and do not apply to fish being transported or shipped by air. Some things to keep in mind when bringing recreationally-caught dolphin, wahoo and reef fish managed as snapper-grouper back from the Bahamas by sea: »» Bahamian regulations may be different than in U.S. state and »» Skin must remain on the fillet (to aid in identification by law federal waters. Before you return with your catch, make sure you enforcement) comply with the more restrictive U.S. or Bahamian recreational »» Anglers must comply with Atlantic federal bag and vessel limits, bag and possession limits. as well as seasons »» Species that are prohibited from harvest in the U.S. such as queen »» Two fillets count as one fish toward the bag limit conch, goliath and Nassau grouper, cannot be transported back »» Vessels must have valid Bahamian cruising and sportfishing into U.S. waters by boat. permits »» Spiny lobster must be in whole condition and can only be trans- »» Passengers must possess a valid government passport with cur- ported into U.S. waters during the recreational season (Aug. 6 rent Bahamian stamps and travel dates through March 31). »» Travel through state and federal waters must be continuous and To learn more about bringing your Bahamian catch back to Florida, gear must remain stowed. Fishing gear that is appropriately visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recre- stowed means terminal tackle such as hooks, leaders, sinkers, ational Regulations” and “Bahamas.” Federal fishing regulations are etc. must be disconnected and stowed separately from the rod available from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council at and reel. www.SAFMC.net. For more information on Bahamian regulations, »» Fish landed under these exceptions cannot be sold. visit Bahamas.gov.bs.

BTI AD_JFPublishing_SixthPg_BB_FLSaltwaterIssue_April2018.indd4/25/2018 4:31:45 1 PM RECREATIONAL GEAR

Recreational gear law to intentionally discard any monofilament than 2 inches stretched mesh size, not con- Additional regional gear restrictions may apply netting or line into or onto state waters. Mono- structed of monofilament, and legibly marked in your county. For further clarification, con- filament line can entangle birds, marine mam- at both ends with the harvester’s name and tact the local regional offices listed on page 23. mals, marine turtles and fish, often injuring or address if a Florida resident. Non-residents killing them. Trot lines with 10 or fewer hooks using beach or haul seines for recreational Reef fish gear rules are considered hook-and-line gear and must purposes are required to have a commercial (applies to species marked with ● on pages be tended at all times while deployed. Species saltwater products license and legibly mark 10-11) identified with "T" on pages 10 through 13 the seine at both ends with the harvester’s ■■ Gulf of Mexico: These regulations require cannot be harvested with multi-hooks (single saltwater products license number. the use of a dehooking device when recre- hook with two or more points) in conjunction ■■ Cast nets and seines may be used as harvest- ationally fishing for reef fish in the Gulf of with natural baits. ing gear for the following species only: black Mexico. All persons aboard a vessel harvest- drum, bluefish, cobia, flounder, mullet, Flor- ing reef fish must possess and use non- Nets ida pompano, red drum, sheepshead, shrimp, stainless steel non-offset circle hooks when The following types of nets may be used for Spanish mackerel, weakfish and unregulated using natural baits. recreational purposes in Florida waters: species (see p. 12). ■■ Atlantic Ocean: Recreational and commer- ■■ Bully nets (for lobster only) no greater than ■■ No more than two nets can be fished from cial fishers are required to use dehooking 3 feet in diameter and not made of any vessel and no more than one net can be devices as needed while fishing for reef fish. monofilament. fished by any person not on a vessel. ■■ Frame nets and push nets (for shrimp only) These rules apply to all members of the reef no greater than 16 feet in perimeter and not Explosives, etc. fish complex including groupers, snappers, made of monofilament. Frame nets cannot The use of powerheads, explosives, chemicals amberjacks, red porgy, gray triggerfish, black be used in state waters off Dade County. or the discharge of firearms to kill or harvest sea bass, golden tilefish, banded rudderfish, ■■ Hand-held landing or dip nets no greater marine life is prohibited in state waters. speckled hind and others. For a complete spe- than 96 inches in perimeter. cies list, please visit MyFWC.com. ■■ Cast nets measuring 14 feet or less stretched length (stretched length is defined as the Hook-and-line gear distance from the horn at the center of the Hook-and-line anglers must tend their gear net with the net gathered and pulled taut, at all times to prevent people, marine life and to the lead line). shore life from becoming entangled in the line ■■ Beach or haul seines measuring no larger or injured by the hook. Also, it is against the than 500 square feet of mesh area, no larger

Need to Know On the Go? Florida Saltwater Regulations are now available online through your mobile devices!

K N I V E S

easy blade opens for rugged canvas Powered by release easy cleaning roll pack © 2018 Havalon Knives eRegulations.com SPEARING

Spearing * Volusia County — You may not harvest by fishing piers, or portions of bridges where Spearing is a general term that includes bow spearing in Volusia County inland waters fishing is allowed. fishing, gigging, spearfishing (underwater), or with the exception of flounder and sheeps- ■■ Within 100 feet of the unsubmerged portion the use of any other device to capture a fish by head, and only by the use of a barbed spear of any jetty, except that spearing is allowed piercing its body. Spearing does not include with three or fewer prongs. along the last 500 yards of any jetty that extends snagging or snatch hooking by hook and line. * Special Local Laws also prohibit harvest by more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline. Marine species harvested by spearing are sub- spearing in specific areas (Visit MyFWC.com/ ■■ In or on any body of water under the juris- ject to the same recreational regulations (e.g., Fishing and select "Saltwater," "Recreational diction of the Division of Recreation and bag limits, size limits, and closed seasons) as Regulations," "Full Text Rule by Species" and Parks of the Department of Environmental those marine species that are harvested by any "Local Laws.") Protection. Within these areas, the posses- other type of recreationally-allowed gear. The sion of spearfishing equipment is also pro- following is a list of species or groups of species Spearfishing hibited except when such equipment is un- that are prohibited from harvest by all forms Spearfishing is a specific form of “spearing” loaded and is properly stored upon water- of spearing in state waters: defined as “the catching or taking of a fish craft passing nonstop through the area. ■■ All prohibited species (listed on p. 10-13) through the instrumentality of a hand or ■■ Within the no-take areas of the Florida ■■ Billfish and swordfish (all species) mechanically propelled, single or multi-pronged Keys National Marine Sanctuary (Visit: ■■ Bonefish spear or lance, barbed or barbless, operated by www.floridakeys.noaa.gov.) ■■ Crab (blue, stone) a person swimming at or below the surface ■■ Within any area where spearfishing is pro- ■■ Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) of the water.” In addition to the harvest species hibited by a Special Local Law (Visit MyFWC. ■■ Permit limitations above, you may not spearfish: com/Fishing and select "Saltwater," "Recre- ■■ Pompano (Florida and African) ■■ For any species that cannot be harvested by ational Regulations," "Full Text Rule by Spe- ■■ Red drum spearing (see Spearing above). cies" and "Local Laws.") ■■ Sharks (all species including dogfish) ■■ For any species (freshwater or marine) in ■■ Snook freshwater. Possession of spearfishing equip- Powerheads, Bangsticks, Rebreathers ■■ Spotted seatrout ment in or on freshwater is also prohibited.$ Harvest99 with the use of powerheads, bang- ■■ Tarpon ■■ Within the upper Keys no-spearfishing199 sticks or rebreathers is prohibited in state ■■ Tripletail zone, which includes all state waters fromFREE SHIPPINGwaters, except that rebreathers are allowed ■■ Weakfish the Miami-Dade County line down to and for the harvest of lionfish. Within state waters, ■■ Marine life species (listed on p. 14) including Long Key. powerheads and bangsticks can be used for ■■ Within 100 yards of any designated public personal protection only,B and cannot be used bathing beaches, commercial or public to harvest any species. $ 99 •Perfect for saltwater or fresh- 219 water fishing FREE SHIPPING • Super strong, ultralight forged ® aluminum frame • ultra-smooth Dartanium Drag Shimano’s CI4+ material is over • A-RB Rust Resistant Bearings 250% stronger than the previous ® generation. From spinning reels to baitcasting reels Shimano has created lightweight powerhouses to help put that giant in the net.

® ® Shimano Calcuttafish.shimano.com B ShimanoTrinidad A Round Casting Reel Star Drag Reel ®

FREE SHIPPING! Join JFF membership for FREE gears, service and discount. justforfishing.com SALTWATER ANGLER RECOGNITION Catch a Florida Memory – Saltwater Angler Recognition Catch a Florida Memory when you participate in one of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Saltwater Angler Recognition Programs. These programs are designed to entice anglers to get involved in conservation and learn more about Florida’s diverse marine resources while adding to an exciting day out on the water. Catch a Florida Memory programs reward anglers for their fishing efforts, cultivate saltwater fishing interest in new anglers, enhance the experience for seasoned veterans already hooked on fishing, and support marine resource conservation. They also encourage anglers to target more than one species during fishing trips, thereby decreasing fishing pressure on any given species. Learn more and submit catches at CatchaFloridaMemory.com.

Saltwater Grand Slams ■■ Shoreline Grand Slam – sheepshead, king- in addition to a photo of the angler with the An FWC Grand Slam is catching three specified fish (whiting), Florida pompano fish. Successful anglers will not only be awarded fish species in a 24-hour period. Grand Slams ■■ Bay & Estuary Grand Slam – mangrove a certificate and t-shirt, but will also receive help increase the diversity of fish species tar- (gray) snapper, snook, Spanish mackerel recognition for reaching each of the four levels geted on fishing trips and recognize anglers for ■■ Nearshore Grand Slam – cobia, tripletail, based on the total number of different Reel Big their achievements. Successful anglers will not king mackerel Fish species achieved. only be awarded a certificate and t-shirt, but will ■■ Reefs & Rubble Grand Slam – black sea bass, also receive recognition for every three or more gag, gray triggerfish Recognition Tiers: different Grand Slams submitted and will win ■■ Blue Water Grand Slam – dolphinfish, sail- ■■ 5 different species a Grand Prize if all eligible slams are caught. fish, wahoo ■■ 10 different species ■■ Small Fry Grand Slam – pinfish, catfish, ■■ 15 different species 9 Grand Slam Categories: grunt (only for ages 15 and under) ■■ All 30 different species – Reel Big Master ■■ Inshore Grand Slam – red drum, spotted Angler seatrout, flounder Recognition Tiers: ■■ Florida Grand Slam – permit, tarpon, ■■ 3 different Grand Slams Florida Saltwater Fishing Records bonefish ■■ 6 different Grand Slams State all-tackle records for the heaviest fishes ■■ Family Grand Slam – any three fish in the ■■ All eligible Grand Slams – Grand Slam Mas- caught in Florida waters are maintained for 77 same scientific family (i.e. three snapper ter Angler marine species in both conventional tackle and species) fly fishing categories. Successful anglers receive Saltwater Fish Life List a certificate for their achievement, not to men- Similar to a birding life list, the new Saltwa- tion bragging rights. Catches must be made ter Fish Life List allows anglers to track their according to FWC and IGFA angling rules. Saltwater Fish Life progress at catching 71 particular species of saltwater fish. Anglers will be recognized for Monthly Raffle Drawings List Club Recipients their achievements as they reach each of the four Successful Catch a Florida Memory participants levels based upon the number of different fish are automatically entered into monthly raffle caught, beginning with a certificate and t-shirt drawings for each verified program submis- 10-Fish Club Angelia C. Swanson awarded to 10-Fish Club anglers. sion made. Winners are randomly selected and Dawson A. Alvarez Dana E. Thrower prizes include landing nets courtesy of McLean Dalton L. Avera James Whitaker Recognition Tiers: Angling, rods and reels courtesy of the Fish Amy Bueschel Tom Berg ■ Kevin R. Burkhead Jr. Christopher Allen ■ 10 Fish Club & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, fillet knives ■■ 30 Fish Club courtesy of Smith’s Consumer Products, fishing Marlo Amber Cobb Bishop ■ Elkins W. Dahle William Burrows ■ 50 Fish Club ■ Heidi Feinberg Daniel Gibbs ■ 71 Fish Club – Life List Master Angler Brooks C. Ferrante Trevor Wayne Hall Saltwater Reel Big Fish Brian Fimbel William Martin Trey Fleeman Hunkapiller II This size-based program rewards anglers who Matthew Hamilton Rick Zack catch a memorable-sized saltwater fish in 30 Mark David Huyett Nathan Gibson different species categories. To qualify, fish Matthew Johnson Sean Patrick must be legally caught and meet or exceed a Kevin Kemp Lawless minimum qualifying length. A photo of the Kyle Seth Leonard fish on a measuring device must be submitted, 30-Fish Club Roy Magnuson Mike Boggs Leann Marvel Kevin Council Stephen P. McGee Jr Eric J. Gerlak Jack J. Nelson Florida Saltwater Matthew T.R. Johnson Matthew Peterson Devin Sanderson Fishing Records Daniel R. Peterson Christopher Allen Evan Mikel Rexroat Recipients Bishop Devin Sanderson B.J. Bueschel Gary Shaw Lewis Sapp – Almaco Jack Amy Bueschel with a jack crevalle from her Saltwater Fish Life List.

20 July 1, 2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission SALTWATER ANGLER RECOGNITION

Saltwater Reel Big Fish Club Recipients

Red Drum Spanish Mackerel Sheepshead Dalton L. Avera (4) Easton Gage Thompson (2) Landon Jackson Hall Heather Melissa Carroll Remington Colt Thompson (2) Delaney Kemp Craig Domko Andy Ray Thompson Jr. Black Drum Matthew J. Fekkers Traesyn Mathas Carroll Easton Gage Thompson (3) Chris Kettler Emmett Miles Hensley Remington Colt Thompson (4) Clay Marrs Mutton Snapper Dalton L. Avera Leann Marvel John Georgiades (2) Katlyn M. Paul (2) Black Sea Bass Quranda Johnson Devin S. Paul Michael Nathan Gibson Clay Marrs and friends show how to Matt Preston Snook measure a Reel Big Red Drum. Gray Triggerfish Savannah Tucker Bryon Sean Sineff Matthew S. Batchelor Gary W. Wall Robert Alexander Tucker gear courtesy of Live to Fish, fish art courtesy Joshua Damon Josh Urban Flounder of Fish Print Shop and gift certificates from Jaceten Heath Dean Bridget Shelby McGee Spotted Seatrout other partners. Kody Alan Glass Dalton L. Avera Shannon D Swindal Yellowtail Snapper Ethan Sonnenberg Program Requirements Lucas Williams John Georgiades Eric Todd Anderson ■■ All submitted fish must have been caught John Franklin Williams Ladyfish Traesyn Mathas Carroll by the angler applying for recognition. Traesyn Mathas Carroll ■■ Anglers must follow Florida saltwater rec- Michael Soloyaker Taylor reational fishing regulations. Lucas Williams Permit ■■ Fish do not have to be harvested and we Stephen Stubbs Bryan Basile encourage catch-and-release fishing. ■■ Anglers must provide photographs of them- selves with each fish submitted. ■■ Applications for Reel Big Fish must include a photo of the fish on a length measuring device. ■■ Use proper fish handling techniques to mini- mize stress on fish. Learn more at MyFWC. com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater,” “Recreational” and “Fish Handling.” Partnerships Contributions from our generous partners help provide recognition and prizes for program participants. We gratefully acknowledge our Remington Thompson with a Spanish mack- Ron Little with the redfish from his Inshore Grand Slam. partners: McLean Angling, Smith’s Consumer erel (part of the Bay & Estuary Grand Slam). Products, Live to Fish, Tony Ivory Art and Apparel, Warbird Fishing Gear, Ocean Waves Sunglasses, Fish Print Shop, Martin County, Saltwater Grand Slam Club Recipients EGO Fishing, Keep Em Wet Fishing, and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. To Tier 1 Recognition: Savannah Tucker Daniel Richard Peterson become a partner, visit CatchaFloridaMemory. Eric J. Gerlak Ken Van Doren Matthew John Peterson com/Partners or contact AnglerRecognition@ Todd Wilson Michael Soloyaker Taylor MyFWC.com. Small Fry Grand Slam: Bob Blalock Andy R. Thompson Easton Gage Thompson Joshua Damon (4) Easton Gage Thompson Connect with Us Remington Colt Thompson Jaceten Heath Dean Andy Ray Thompson Jr. (2) For more information on FWC’s Catch a Florida Clifton C. Gagliano (3) Remington Colt Thompson Memory - Saltwater Angler Recognition Pro- Inshore Grand Slam: Larry Haines Dana Elizabeth Thrower (2) grams and to submit catches, visit CatchaFlori- Dalton L. Avera (2) Thomas Miller Shannon L. Avera daMemory.com. Like and follow us on Face- Matthew Batchelor David Pochatek Dalton L. Avera book.com/CatchaFLMemory to view angler Kevin Council Timothy Sadler Marlo Amber Cobb photos and get updates on the latest submis- Michael Craig Dawson Stephen Stubbs Joshua Damon (2) sions. View fishing how-to videos and more on Aris Clarke Ford Jr Trey Fleeman Family Grand Slam: our FWC Saltwater Fishing YouTube channel Connor Wayne Geiger Adrianne Nichole Kovach Drake Booth at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterFishing. Nathan Gibson Cindy McGee Stephen Bouwer Jon Hall John S. Soeder III Kristin Bouwer Brandon Hite Kevin Russell Burkhead Jr. Bay & Estuary Dale C. Melms Kevin Burkhead Sr. Grand Slam Christopher Scott Moore Kevin M. Council (2) Kevin Russell Burkhead Jr Gary Shaw John H. Dobbins (2) Eric J. Gerlak David F. Smith Clark Georgiades Michael Soloyaker Taylor Blue Water Grand Slam John M. Georgiades (4) Dana Thrower Brandon Edaward Hite Edward S. Hicks Dana Elizabeth Thrower Matthew Johnson (2) ter for lorida Saltwa Recreationa The F Life List l Anglers

FWC wants you to Catch a Florida Memory. The Saltwater Fish Life List is a way to document what you catch and get rewarded for your fishing efforts. To become a member of a Life List Fish Club, submit photos of you with your catches at CatchaFloridaMemory.com. To learn more about the Catch a Florida Memory-Saltwater Angler Recognition Programs turn to pages 20 and 21.

10 Fish Club: 10 different Life List species caught 30 Fish Club: 30 different Life List species caught 50 Fish Club: 50 different Life List species caught 71 Fish Club: Life List Master Angler - all 71 Life List species caught

Need help identifying these species? Visit MyFWC.com/FishingLines and click on “Identification Guide.” Or visit MyFWC. com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater” and “Fish ID.”

African pompano Gafftopsail catfish Sailfish Almaco jack Gag Scamp Atlantic sharpnose Gray (mangrove) snapper Schoolmaster Banded rudderfish Gray triggerfish Sheepshead Black drum Great barracuda Shortfin mako Black grouper Greater amberjack Silk snapper Black sea bass Gulf flounder Snook Blackfin snapper Gulf kingfish (whiting) Southern flounder Blackfin tuna Hardhead catfish Southern kingfish (whiting) Blacknose shark Hogfish Spanish mackerel Blacktip shark Horse-eye jack Spinner shark Blue marlin King mackerel Spotted seatrout Blue runner Ladyfish Swordfish Bluefish Lane snapper Tarpon Bonefish Lesser amberjack Tripletail Bonnethead shark Little tunny Vermilion snapper Bull shark Mutton snapper Wahoo Cero Permit Warsaw grouper Cobia Queen snapper Weakfish Crevalle jack Red drum White grunt Cubera snapper Red grouper White marlin Dog snapper Red porgy Yellowfin tuna Dolphinfish Red snapper Yellowtail snapper Florida pompano Roundscale spearfish

CatchaFloridaMemory.com Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission [email protected] Division of Marine Fisheries Management Facebook.com/CatchaFLMemory 850-487-0554 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

620 South Meridian Street NORTHWEST Farris Bryant Building Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 488-4676 (800) 955-8771 TDD

Gil- Commissioners FWC regional offices christ Bo Rivard Northwest Region 3911 Highway 2321 NORTH CENTRAL Chairman, Panama City Panama City, FL 32409 NORTHEAST Robert A. Spottswood 850-265-3676 Vice Chairman, Key West North Central Region Joshua Kellam 3377 East U.S. Highway 90 Palm Beach Gardens Lake City, FL 32055 Gary Lester 386-758-0525 Oxford Northeast Region Gary Nicklaus 1239 Southwest 10th Street Jupiter Ocala, FL 34471 SOUTHWEST 352-732-1225 Sonya Rood St. Augustine Southwest Region 3900 Drane Field Road Michael W. Sole Lakeland, FL 33811 Tequesta 863-648-3200 Staff South Region The regions presented on SOUTH Eric Sutton 8535 Northlake Blvd. this map are not fisheries Executive Director West Palm Beach, FL 33412 management zones. 561-625-5122 For management zones, Dr. Thomas H. Eason please see pages 6-7. Assistant Executive Director

The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement are traveling Florida’s coastline and waterways, throughout the state, dial *FWC (*392) depending patrols Florida’s coastal waters to provide and may issue citations for violations of state on your location, hail on VHF Channel 16 or report assistance to boaters and anglers as well as to and federal fishing, wildlife and boating laws. violations via text message. Most cell phones allow enforce Florida’s saltwater fishing and boating In emergencies or if state fisheries, wild- users to send text messages directly to an email laws. FWC officers assist boaters who are in dis- life or boating laws are being violated, call address. You can text [email protected]; stan- tress, provide advice and direction to those who 888-404-FWCC (3922) or for cell phone users dard usage fees may apply.

Resource Information At the FWC, it pays to love the outdoors! Join the nation’s largest conservation law enforcement agency—become an FWC law enforcement officer. For more information contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-866-FWC-HIRE (392-4473) or visit MyFWC.com/Law

• To purchase fishing licenses: • To report sawfish sightings: 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356) 941-255-7403 GoOutdoorsFlorida.com [email protected] • FWC Division of Law Enforcement • Bird entanglement 888-404-FWCC (3922) 888-404-3922 727-391-6211 for Tampa area • To report fish and wildlife law violations, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline: • Red tide information hotline 888-404-FWCC (3922) 866-300-9399 toll free in Florida 727-552-2488 nationwide • FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 727-896-8626 • Aquatic toxins hotline: 888-232-8635 MyFWC.com/Research • Shellfish harvesting questions • To report fish kills: FDACS, 850-488-5471 800-636-0511 www.floridaaquaculture.com • To report fish tags: • To report lionfish sightings: Visit MyFWC.com 800-367-4461 1-877-786-7267 to learn how to become [email protected] MyFWC.com/Lionfish an FWC officer.

LE_RecruitingAd_SaltWaterReg9c.indd 1 5/13/15 8:23 AM Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission July 1, 2018 23 LICENSES AND PERMITS

Costs for licenses In addition to the cost of licenses and permits specified in this section, license agents may charge an issuance fee for selling licenses or permits. Note: All sales are final.

Florida resident saltwater licenses Florida resident combination licenses One-Year Saltwater License $17.00 Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater $32.50 Covers both watercraft and shoreline fishing Fishing-Saltwater/Freshwater & Hunting $48.00 Youth Saltwater Fishing License — valid until 17th birthday $17.00 One-Year Gold Sportsman’s License $100.00 Five-Year Saltwater License $79.00 Five-Year Gold Sportsman’s License $494.00 Go so far out, you can’t see One-Year Saltwater Shoreline License $0.00 Youth Gold Sportsman’s License — valid until 17th birthday $100.00 Covers saltwater fishing from shorelines and attached structures. Does not cover One-Year Military Gold Sportsman’s License $20.00 the person you are at work. fishing from a watercraft, fishing from a shoreline reached by watercraft, or fishing Includes the same licenses and permits as the Gold Sportsman’s License. Available while swimming or diving. at county tax collectors’ offices with current military identification card for Florida Non-resident saltwater licenses residents who are active duty or fully retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Three-day Saltwater License $17.00 Armed Forces Reserve, Florida National Guard, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Re- serve. Fully-retired veterans may renew online. Seven-day Saltwater License $30.00 Florida resident Lifetime Saltwater fishing licenses One-Year Saltwater License $47.00 Age: 0–4 $126.50 Saltwater permits Age: 5–12 $226.50 Snook Permit­ — residents and non-residents $10.00 Age: 13 or older $301.50 Five-Year Snook Permit (Florida residents only) $50.00 Florida resident Lifetime Gold Sportsman's licenses Spiny Lobster Permit — residents and non-residents $5.00 Age: 0–4 $401.50 Five-Year Spiny Lobster Permit (Florida residents only) $25.00 Age: 5–12 $701.50 Tarpon Tag (available only at tax collector offices) $51.50 Age: 13 or older $1,001.50 If required to have a license, permits for the take of Snook and Spiny Lobster also required. Tarpon tags required to land tarpon.

Saltwater fishing in Florida… include take of snook and spiny lobster, state, when home on leave with orders for What to know before you go: which would otherwise require a separate 30 days or less. This does not include family Saltwater fishing licenses can be obtained fee. The Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s license members. online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, at county tax further allows the license holder to freshwa- ■■ Fishing for recreational purposes from a pier collectors’ offices and license agents, or by call- ter fish and hunt in Florida. Further details that has a valid pier saltwater fishing license. ing toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). are available at MyFWC.com/License. ■■ Fishing from a for-hire vessel (including Handling fees apply for telephone and Inter- guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid net services. For current recreational licensing You do not need a license if you are: charter boat or charter captain license. information, please visit MyFWC.com/License. ■■ A child under 16 years of age, regardless of ■■ A valid saltwater products license holder. residency. ■■ Fishing from a boat that has a valid recre- Florida residents: ■■ A Florida resident age 65 or older with proof ational vessel fishing license. For purposes of saltwater fishing in Florida, a of age and residency, such as a Florida driv- ■■ A Florida resident who is fishing for mullet resident is defined as: er’s license or ID, or an optional no-cost in freshwater with a valid Florida freshwater ■■ Any person who has declared Florida as his Florida Resident 65+ Hunt/Fish Certificate. fishing license. or her only state of residence as evidenced by ■■ A Florida resident fishing within his or her a valid Florida driver license or identifica- tion county of residence with live or natural bait, Other saltwater fishing licenses: card with both a Florida address and a Florida using poles or lines not equipped with a fish- Charter Boat and Charter Captain licenses are residency verified by the Department of High- ing line retrieval mechanism. available and required to carry paying custom- way Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV). A ■■ A Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities ers (where a fee is paid directly or indirectly) Florida voter registration card, declaration of Hunting and Fishing License holder. Further for the purpose of taking, attempting to take, domicile, or homestead exemption may also information about this license is available or possessing saltwater fish or organisms. be used as proof of Florida residency. at MyFWC.com/ADA. Guides must comply with U.S. Coast Guard ■■ Active duty United States military personnel ■■ A resident who has been accepted as a client (USCG) requirements. stationed in Florida, including spouses and for developmental disabilities services by dependent children residing in the house- the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, ■■ Four or fewer customers $201.50 hold, with military orders. provided the agency furnishes proof thereof. ■■ Five to ten customers $401.50 ■■ A resident who is saltwater fishing from ■■ Eleven or more customers $801.50 Gold Sportsman’s licenses include: land or a structure fixed to land who has ■■ Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing and Hunt- been determined eligible for the food stamp, Recreational Vessel licenses are available for ing licenses. temporary cash assistance, or Medicaid not-for-hire pleasure crafts that are regis- ■■ Snook, Spiny Lobster, Management Area, Program by the Department of Children tered recreationally for a fee of $2,001.50. Pier Archery, Crossbow, Muzzleloading Gun, and Family Services. Proof of identification licenses are available to exempt persons fishing Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl permits. and a benefit issuance or program identifi- from a pier fixed to land from saltwater fishing cation card issued by the Agency for Per- requirements for a fee of $501.50. Lifetime licenses: sons with Disabilities or the Agency for More information on these licenses is The Verado 350 HP from Mercury. Performance ■■ Florida residents who invest in a Lifetime Health Care Administration must be in available at county tax collector’s office or at Saltwater Fishing license or a Lifetime Gold possession when fishing. MyFWC.com/License. engineered to raise your pulse and lower your blood Sportsman’s license may fish in saltwater for ■■ A Florida resident who is a member of the pressure at the same time. life with no additional fees. These licenses U.S. Armed Forces and not stationed in this Learn more at mercurymarine.com/new-Verado/ 24 July 1, 2018 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Go so far out, you can’t see the person you are at work.

The Verado 350 HP from Mercury. Performance engineered to raise your pulse and lower your blood pressure at the same time.

Learn more at mercurymarine.com/new-Verado/ o to ho k the om big ed ONLY $149* o FOR WORRY FREE n e FISHING ALL YEAR r e f

Have no worries on the water...TowBoatU.S. is there to assist with BREAKDOWNS | OUT OF FUEL | JUMP STARTS | SOFT UNGROUNDINGS

BoatUS.com/Towing GET THE BOATU.S. APP 800-395-2628 WE’RE WITH YOU ON THE WATER 247 FOR ONETOUCH TOWING

•Towing details can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree or by calling.