http://myfwc.com/license/

JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

Florida is the
“Fishing Capital
of the World.”
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) uses the best
scientific management possible. To fund those efforts, the Legislature sets
fishing license fees and exemptions, as well as penalties for violating fish and
wildlife conservation laws. A state law guarantees all money from sale of fishing
licenses goes to the FWC to help fulfill its mission of “managing fish and wildlife
resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.”
Moreover, in 1950, congressmen Dingell and Johnson, at the request of
anglers and the outdoor industry, created the original Federal Aid in Sport Fish
Restoration (SFR) program wherein fishing tackle was assessed an excise fee
with the monies returned to the states for fish restoration projects. The “Wallop-
Breaux” amendment in 1984 expanded the act by adding import duties on
sport fishing equipment, pleasure boats and yachts as well as tax revenue from
motorboat fuel sales. As a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reimburses
states using these funds at the rate of $3 for every $4 spent on qualifying projects.
The result is one of the most successful “user-pays, user-benefits” programs in
the world, with taxes from sale of outdoor recreation supplies directly enhancing
and promoting the resource.
The amount of money Florida receives from SFR is based on the size of
the state and the number of paid licensed anglers, not licenses and permits,
but the people who hold them. As an example, an angler having a freshwater
license, a saltwater license and a snook permit counts only once. Since Florida
does not charge license fees for youths under 16, adults over 65, or resident
saltwater anglers fishing from shore, Florida recovers a somewhat smaller
proportion of these funds than other states do. This is becoming an increasing
problem as other states adjust their license structures to maximize the number
of paid license holders they certify for federal aid and thus recover a greater
proportion of the excise taxes on tackle and motor boat fuel taxes paid by our
anglers. Each certified holder generates approximately $7 more for sport fish
restoration, providing $13 million for Florida in 2008. Of those monies, 15 percent
went to boating access building and repairing ramps and courtesy docks. The
remainder went to fresh and saltwater fisheries conservation projects such as
habitat restoration, fish stocking, conservation law enforcement, artificial reefs
construction and youth fishing clinics.
Consequently, the FWC encourages all anglers to buy a license (MyFWC.com/
License). Even if you are legally exempt, you can contribute to the future of our
fisheries resources and the health of our habitat by buying a license and helping
us obtain the matching $7 contribution from the federal SFR program.
Recreational fishing often is portrayed in advertising because it is an enjoyable,
wholesome experience that reflects a happy and healthy lifestyle. The FWC is
working hard to ensure safe and sustainable recreational fishing for all of our
residents and guests and depends on your license fees to make sure there are
fish for tomorrow.
Angler’s Code of
Ethics
1. Supports conservation efforts.
2. Practices effective catchand-release
of fish that are
unwanted or prohibited to
retain.
3. Doesn’t pollute; recycles and
disposes of trash.
4. Practices safe angling and
boating, including hook
awareness and use of personal
flotation devices (PFDs).
5. Learns and obeys fishing and
boating rules and
regulations, and purchases
appropriate licenses.
6. Respects other anglers’ and
boaters’ rights.
7. Respects property owners’
rights and does not trespass.
8. Shares fishing knowledge and
skills.
9. Doesn’t release live bait into
waters or spread exotic plants
and fish.
10. Promotes ethical sport fishing
and encourages others to
reconnect on the water.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2008-2009 17