Saltwater Rules Change In Three Florida Counties

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently approved a measure that will remove outdated or redundant localized regulations in Gilchrist, Indian River and Manatee counties.

The FWC has been working to streamline and clarify saltwater fishing rules since 2009 as part of a marine fisheries rule clean-up process. This includes reviewing existing localized rules known as Special Acts of Local Application and working with county governments to remove them if warranted.

In Gilchrist County, a Special Act providing for the year-round sale of saltwater fish by properly licensed sellers is slated to be removed. Statewide licensing provisions for the sale of saltwater products makes this rule obsolete.

In Indian River County, three Special Acts are slated for removal, including ones that relate to the use of fishing gear in the Indian River and requiring permission from adjacent property owners to harvest shellfish. All three acts are inconsistent with and more restrictive than current statewide regulations.

In Manatee County, seven Special Acts are slated to be removed, including ones that limit the types of gear that can be used within the waters of the county, set aggregate bag limits for saltwater fish on the Manatee River, and authorize Manatee County to regulate the harvest of finfish within the county. Current statewide regulations address the use of gear and give the FWC the authority to regulate the harvest of saltwater fish.

The FWC will be working with other counties in the future to help streamline and reduce regulations throughout the state. To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and “Commission Meetings.”

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