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.

Residential Conservation Programs. The commission has long history of hosting fish and wildlife conservation residential camps, programs, and trainings. However, last year the commission reported that the Department of Financial Services denied payment for catering services to one of its programs because it lacked clear statutory authority to do so. Chapter 2019-20, Laws of Florida, authorizes the commission to organize, staff, equip, and operate residential conservation programs to provide education and training about fish and wildlife conservation to the public, commission employees, and volunteers. It also authorizes the commission to establish cooperative efforts with federal, state, and local entities; procure commodities and contractual services such as travel, lodging, and meal services; and hire and train appropriate personnel and volunteers to support these programs.
Ride Tide Mitigation. The Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 2019-114, Laws of Florida, which creates the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative. The initiative intends to establish a coordinated effort among public and private research entities to develop prevention, control, and mitigation technologies and approaches to address the impacts of red tide. Specifically, it establishes a partnership between the commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory.  Beginning in Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and through Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the institute will receive $3 million in state funds to implement this initiative. The initiative also establishes a six-member advisory council that includes marine science, technology development, and natural resource management representatives from governmental entities, private organizations, and public and private institutions.

Other Reports
Agency Strategic Plan 2014-2019, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, August 18, 2014.
2018-19 Programs of the FWC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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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