The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

Seven commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to five-year terms.

The commission manages and protects fish and wildlife resources and their habitat by

• conserving and managing habitat for a diversity of species;
• developing and implementing plans for conserving species;
• developing and enforcing fishing and hunting regulations, public access regulations for wildlife management areas, and boating safety laws;
• producing and distributing selected freshwater species of fish;
• providing hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities; and
• researching, monitoring, and conducting surveys of fish and wildlife species.

The commission conducts these activities through six divisions.

• Law Enforcement protects Florida's fish and wildlife resources and the public who enjoy them.
• Fish and Wildlife Research Institute provides timely information and guidance to protect, conserve, and manage Florida's fish and wildlife resources.
• Habitat and Species Conservation ensures healthy populations of all native species and their habitats on a statewide basis.
• Hunting and Game Management facilitates the safe, responsible, and sustained use of Florida's wildlife.
• Freshwater Fisheries Management manages, enhances, and conserves Florida's fresh water aquatic life for public benefit.
• Marine Fisheries Management facilitates the responsible and sustained use of Florida's marine life resources.

In addition, the commission's Executive Direction and Administrative Services program supports agency programs by providing budget, legal, and other administrative services.

Fish and Wildlife Activities. The 2020 Legislature enacted Ch. 2020-123, Laws of Florida,that amended laws related to fish and wildlife activities. The bill prohibits harassment of hunters, trappers, or fishers within or on any public lands, public waters, or publicly or privately owned wildlife management and fish management areas. The bill also expands the number of days from 4 to 6 that a person can fish for noncommercial purposes without a fishing license. Lastly, the bill addresses the tegu lizard and green iguana by

• adding these species to the conditional nonnative snakes list;
• tightening restrictions on the sale and personal use of these species to prohibit their use except for educational, research, or eradication or control purposes;
• authorizing the commission to grandfather certain license holders to continue dealing in these species commercially, with limitations; and
• allowing the sale of these species only outside of the state and prohibiting importation into the state.

COVID-19 Response. The commission is continuing to evaluate its COVID-19 response and has information on the open/closed status of its managed areas and facilities on its website.

Other Reports
Agency Strategic Plan 2020-2024, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, May 6, 2020.

2019-20 Programs of the FWC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A complete list of Auditor General reports is available on its website. 

Websites of Interest
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Inspector General
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Legislative Affairs
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Research Publications
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Performance Information

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

Article IV, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida, and s. 20.331 and  20.3311 and Chs. 379 and 327, Florida Statutes.

Eric Sutton, Executive Director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 850-487-3796, e-mail:  eric.sutton@myfwc.com

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